CONFIDENTIAL!
FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
MACHINE GUN NOTES
No. 1
EDITED AT
ARMY WAR COLLEGE
MAY, 1917
WASHINGTON
GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE
1917

War Department,
The Adjutant General’s Office,
Washington, June 19, 1917.
To all officers of the Army:
You are advised that this and all subsequent documents of a simi-
lar character, which may be furnished to you from this office, are to
be regarded as strictly confidential. They are to be kept at all
times in your personal possession, and are not to be copied, nor are
any parts of their contents to be communicated either directly or
indirectly to the press, nor to any persons not in the military or naval
service of the United States. In Europe these documents are not
to be carried into the front line trenches, nor farther to the front
than the usual post of the officers to whom issued.
Strict compliance with this injunction is enjoined upon every
officer into whose hands any of these confidential documents may
come.
By order of the Secretary of War:
H. P. McCain,
The Adjutant General.
5

TABLE OF CONTENTS.
GENERAL.
Page.
Notes on the employment of Lewis guns in desert warfare....	9
Infantry machine-gun company training.................... 33
Notes on the employment of machine guns, 37-mm. guns, and
1 ight automatic weapons by Cavalry.................   115
Method of instruction in the Lewis gun.................. 149
Methods of laying machine guns in the direction of invisible
targets by means of maps, compass, and traversing dial....	180
Some notes on Lewis guns and machine guns............... 183
French notes on machine guns............................ 203
Order of the Sixth Bavarian division regarding machine guns.	206
7

DETAILED TABLE OF CONTENTS.
Page.
Notes on the employment of Lewis guns in desert warfare....	11
Employment of Machine Guns in Desert Warfare
in Egypt.
Control................................................... 19
Stoppages and action of sand.............................. 19
Prolonged stoppages....................................... 20
Transport................................................. 21
Ammunition supply......................................... 21
Combined sights........................................... 21
Indirect fire............................................. 21
Cooperation between machine-gun companies and Lewis-gun
detachments............................................ 21
Overhead covering fire.................................... 21
Emplacements.............................................. 22
Horsemanship.............................................. 22
Spare barrels............................................. 22
Sledges................................................... 22
Fire...................................................... 23
Command................................................... 23
Hotchkiss and Lewis Gun Courses.
Part I. Instructional..................................... 24
II. Classification practices 10, 11, and 13 only.:...	25
III. Field practices................................... 26
Notes on method of conducting the practices:
Part I. Instructional.................................. 26
II.	Classification practices..................... 28
III.	Field practices.............................. 28
IV.	Advance field practices....................... 30
9

NOTES ON THE EMPLOYMENT
OF
LEWIS GUNS
IN
DESERT WARFARE IN EGYPT
ISSUED BY THE BRITISH GENERAL STAFF
DECEMBER, 1916
11

NOTES ON THE EMPLOYMENT OF MACHINE GUNS IN
DESEBT WABFABE.
1. Control.—The general experience has been that the control of
more than two guns in action is almost always impossible. This
bears out the general experience of machine gunners throughout
the war.
2. Stoppages and action of sand—Vickers.—With the Vickers
guns the only trouble experienced was that when the guns were
mounted in the “Low position,” sand was sucked up into the
mechanism through the ejection opening on the underside of the
breech casing. This was remedied in some cases by putting a coat
under the gun.
Maxim.—A careful consideration of all the reports received
from the different units shows that the amount of trouble experienced
from stoppages was by no means excessive. In many cases no
trouble whatever occurred, and where difficulties did occur they
could almost always be traced to two causes:
(1) The action of sand, and
(2) The condition of the locks and the lack of spare parts.
As regards the action of sand—as in the case of the Lewis guns—
it was obvious that where the trouble from this cause had been
foreseen and special precautions had been taken, its ill effects were
largely minimized. The following quotation is of interest as bearing
out this statement: “No special difficulties were encountered
owing to the action of sand in the mechanism, as we were able to
keep the guns practically clear of sand by exercising a reasonable
amount of care. The guns were examined and cleaned on every
possible occasion. ”
Except when actually in action guns should invariably be kept
covered whether on the move or in camp. Bags made from light
canvas or any other suitable material can be improvised for this
purpose. It should be remembered, however, that guns kept in
this way for any length of time need frequent attention; otherwise
they very quickly rust. In emplacements, blinds, where provided,
should be kept down whenever possible. Special precautions
should be taken whenever the wind is blowing.
19
20
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
The trouble caused by sand can be considered under three head-
ings, viz:
(1)	Its action in the lock; (2) its action in the feed block; and
(3) its action in the belt.
(1)	The lock.—Locks should not be kept dry but covered with
a thin film of oil. A wipe over with an oily rag is all that is necessary.
The spare lock should be kept in its wallet until actually required.
Any loss of time in changing locks is amply repaid by the fresh lock
being fit for use.
(2)	The feed block.—The above remarks are equally applicable
to feed blocks, special attention being paid, as far as oil is concerned,
to the action of the slide.
(3)	The belts.—The greatest care should be taken to keep the
boxes and belts free from sand. This precaution is specially neces-
sary just after a belt has been fired. What usually happens is
that the used portion of the belt is allowed to fall into the sand on
one side of the gun, while the box when empty is thrown aside on the
other, getting half filled with sand in the process. The belt is then
at once refilled and put back into the sandy box. More sand is
worked into the belt in the process of refilling. It is from this
source that sand finds its way into the feed blocks causing sluggish
feed and trouble with the upper pawls, and hence stoppage in the
fourth position.
Too much care can not be taken in the correct filling and over-
hauling of belts. The latter duty should be carried out by Nos. 3
and 4 during action. It must be remembered that, however accu-
rately a belt may have been filled before moving off, it is quite
possible for a few hours on a pack saddle to render it quite incapable
of being fired without stoppages.
Prolonged stoppages.—These were generally caused by broken
cotter pins. This stoppage seems to have occurred to an absolutely
inexplicable extent, supposing that the right sized cotter pin was
used. It must be remembered that when washers are taken into
use the correct size cotter pin must be used with them; this pre-
caution is most essential, otherwise breakages are sure to occur. The
length of the connecting rod should be continually tested by the
artificers.
In the event of a No. 3 stoppage occurring and of the cover being
opened to investigate the cause, the horns of the extractor should
always be forced down to remedy this defect. Any attempt to
pull them up may lead to an explosion of the cartridge and a resulting
accident.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
21
Every effort should be made by company commanders to insure
that the sections are as complete as possible in spare parts and
particularly in spare locks. In the event of failure to obtain the
necessary articles, the company commanders should report the fact
to superior authority.
3.	Transport.—Pack transport was generally used and appears
to have been satisfactory. The weight a horse or mule can carry
in heavy sand and the best method of packing to avoid any danger
of chafing are matters to which company commanders should pay
the closest attention.
4.	Ammunition supply.—Pack animals supplemented when
necessary by camels and limbered wagons appear to have been
generally used. Careful arrangements seem to have been made by
all company commapders to insure the continuity of their supply,
and the results appear to have been successful in all cases. Too
much emphasis can not be laid on the necessity for these arrange-
ments by all M.G. officers.
5.	Combined sights.—Combined sights with two guns were used
with good results on several occasions. Two instances occur illus-
trating a right and a wrong method of using this form of fire.
(a)	Indirect fire with combined sights was used by one section
to search the reverse slope of a hill. This proceeding is very sound,
and the officer notes in his report that though observation could not
be obtained “the Turks came out.”
(b)	Another officer reports that he used combined sights “to
obtain the range.” Combined sights are useless for this purpose.
6.	Indirect fire.—Indirect fire was seldom employed, but oppor-
tunities for the use of this method of fire will occur in future. All
sections should be instructed in the “Graticule” and “Spirit level ”
methods which are very simply and quickly employed in action.
7.	Cooperation between M.G. companies and Lewis gun detach-
ments.—Cooperation appears to have been attained in several cases,
but is not yet sufficiently general. M.G. company and section
officers should give the most careful study to this question both in
attack and defense, for it is only by the complete cooperation of all
arms that success can be attained. This cooperation should nowhere
be closer than between the machine gunners and Lewis gunners,
whose methods, up to a certain point, are similar, and therefore make
mutual understanding easy.
8.	Overhead covering fire.—Overhead covering fire was used on
many occasions, the “Tangent sight method” being that most
commonly employed. All ranks should be instructed in the use of
22
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
this method, which is of the greatest assistance whenever the control
passes from the officer to the No. 1 at the gun. It should be remem-
bered that the “card and string” method, used in conjunction with
it, enables the section officer to insure that his No. 1’s are preserving
the correct “angle of safety.”
9.	Emplacements.—Great care must be taken in deciding whether
overhead cover should be provided or not. It must always be
remembered that although such cover is of the greatest value against
shrapnel and bullets, it is useless against a direct hit from a heavy
shell, and that an emplacement which has been detected, either
from the enemy’s position or from aircraft reconnaissance, will
most certainly be subjected to bombardment and probably
destroyed. Several instances of this actually occurred during the
operations of last August. Many officers mention in their reports
that the scrubby “tumps,” which are common in some localities,
can easily and quickly be converted into emplacements in which
guns are quite indistinguishable, and they say that guns which have
been brought forward to a “position of readiness ” are far safer when
kept in these than when on the reverse slopes of hills or in valleys,
both of which were always heavily shelled. Light overhead cover
on which pieces of scrub were planted would in these cases be of
great protection against hostile aircraft reconnaissance. Great care
must be taken in cases where emplacements are furnished with
overhead cover that the latter is high enough for the cover to be
lifted and the lock and feed block removed if necessary. This
should always be tested at once on taking over emplacements from
other trbops.
Loopholes should be blinded when the gun is not actually in use.
Care rpust be taken that they are of sufficient size not to restrict the
field of fire of the guns.
10.	Horsemanship.—Since rapid reconnaissance is essential in
all machine-gun tactics, officers commanding companies should
insure that all their section officers are sufficiently expert horsemen
to enable them to make full use of the chargers at their disposal.
11.	Spare barrels.—Several extemporized methods of carrying
the spare barrel were observed. It is absolutely necessary that
some dust-proof covering or box should be provided for this article
when pack transport is employed.
12.	Sledges.—Frequent attention is drawn in officers’ reports to
the long distances which guns had to be carried owing to the lack of
cover for transport animals. It is thought that some light form of
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
28
sledge might be of use in desert warfare, and experiments in this
direction might well be worth undertaking.
13.	Fire.—An idea appears to have arisen in some quarters that
the machine gun is best adapted for enfilade fire, the Lewis gun for
direct fire. The second part of the theory is entirely false. Machine
guns of whatever description should always attempt to obtain
oblique or when possible enfilade fire for which they are peculiarly
adapted. The mistake may perhaps have arisen from the fact that
the arrangement of guns advocated for the defense of a position is
that the machine guns should form the ‘ ‘ Belt of fire ” while the Lewis
guns cover avenues of approach which are, from the conformation
of the ground, protected from the fire of the former. This often
leads to the Lewis guns having to be employed to bring a direct fire
to bear down such approaches, but this is always a matter of necessity
and not of choice.
14.	Command.—As some doubts seem still to exist on the matter
the following decision as regards the command of machine-gun
sections may be of help to M.G. officers and others: “M.G. sections
detached from their company and ordered to cooperate with any
body of troops are under the orders of the officer commanding those
troops, and the company commander can not move or take away any
such sections without the permission of that officer or a direct order
from the brigadier. The M.G. company commander may give his
advice as to the use or disposition of such sections, but the responsi-
bility as to whether or not he takes that advice rests with the com-
mander of the troops. Sections held in reserve or detailed for special
duties are under the orders of the M.G. company commander.”
24
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
HOTCHKISS AND LEWIS GUN COURSES.
Part I.—Instructional.
[To bo fired at a range of 25 yards. Target, Instructional Machine Gun Target,
plate 35, Musketry Instructions, Part II.1
No.	Nature of practice.	Rounds.
1	Holding		12
2	.... .do		12
3	Grouping		6
4		do		18
5	Application		12
6	Distribution b у groups (along a	30
7	Distribution b у swinging.	30
8	Rectification о f stoppages.	50
Method of conducting and object of practice.
Single shots. To accustom the firer to the
gun, and assist in obtaining the correct set-
ting of the Hotchkiss gas regulator.
Rapid, in two groups of 6 rounds each on dif-
ferent figures. To accustom the firer to the
gun, grouping, and correct tension of the re-
turn spring. jiHotchkiss gas regulator.)
Single snots. To teach importance of con-
sistency of aim and holding.
Rapid, fired in three spaced groups of в rounds
each. Each group to be fired at a separate
figure. To teach the firer. who in the pre-
vious practices has learned the holding and
peculiarities of the gun, how to group his
shots consistently; and to test his accuracy of
holding. A group should not exceed 3-inch
ring.
Rapid, in two groups of в rounds each; the
first group to be fired at the figure named,
with regulation aim; the second group at an-
other figure, correcting point of aim. if neces-
sary. in order to bring the group within the
band directly over the figure aimed at. To
teach the firer how to apply correctly his
group to a given target, and. to change his
point of aim quickly.	"
Rapid, to be fired in groups of 3 to 4 rounds (not
spaced), and in two parts of 15 rounds each;
left to right 15 rounds, and right to left 15
rounds; each part as it is fired will be criti-
cized separately. To teach the firer to engage
a linear target, and to ensure that no spaces
of the line are missed. The bipod or barrel
rest will be used.
Position lying. Two-thirds of the target to be
crossed in one continuous burst, evenly and
smoothly. The radiator casing or barrel will
be rested on a sandbag or parapet.
Position lying. Accuracy of shooting, after
rectification, to be criticized.
Total rounds per man: Hotchkiss, 170; Lewis, 152.
Practices 1 and 3 will not be fired by Lewis gunners.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
25
Part II.—Classification practices 10, 11, and 13 only.
No.	Nature of practice.	Target.	Range.	Rounds.	Time.	Method of conducting.
9 10 11 12 13	Ranging........ Application	 Distribution of groups along a line. Distribution by swinging. Snap-shooting..	Plates, iron falling, placed sо that they cannot b e knocked over.! Screens' X 10'. Screens' X 20'. Screen 3' X 30'. 18 spaces. Figure 3.......	Yds. 400 400 300 200 100'	25 20 60 50' » 15 3 6	Sees. 20 40 30' 3 3	The firer will observe his own fire, without out- sideassistance. Bursts of from 5 to 10 rounds (unspaced) will be fired. When ranging, the sights should be altered between each burst, if necessary. The firer should say “Range" when found, and cease fire. The time allowed in- cludes loading. Bursts of about 5 rounds should be fired. 10 rounds will be utilized for ranging purposes as in practice 6. Two magazines or stripe of 25 rounds each. This time includes reloading. The first 25 rounds will be fired from left to right, the second 25 rounds from right to left. (Fired in bursts of about 5 rounds.) Two magazines or strips. The first of 20 rounds, the second of 30 rounds. The time includes re- loading, the firing of each swing must be continuous. The figure will be ex- posed for 3 seconds at a time. At each ex- posure 3 to 5 rounds will be fired in the case of the Lewis gun and in the case of the Hotch- kiss gun, 2 rounds (single shots). Hits will be signaled as in rille practices.
i See Musketry Regulations, Part II, par. 201.
s Lewis pin.
> Hotchkiss gun.
Total rounds per man: Hotchkiss gun, 169 rounds; Lewis gun, 170 rounds.
CLASSIFICATION.
The firer will be classified on the results of practices 10,11, and 13.
Points will be allotted as follows:
Practice 10 (application), 20 rounds, 2 points per hit.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
26
Practice 11 (distribution), 50 rounds, 12 spaces, 4 points per space hit.
Practice 13 (snap-shooting), 3 exposures, 4 points per figure hit.
For “first-class” gunner, 70 points.
For “ qualified ” gunner, 45 points.
NoTE.—Practice 12 may be omitted if time is insufficient for the complete course.
The “swinging traverse” should only be taught for use in emergency, e. g., for the
repulse of a frontal attack at short range.
Part III.—Field practices.
Nature.
Rounds.
Objects.
15
Attack
15fallingiron
?lates on a
5-yard
frontage.
Yards.
600 to 400
Sufficient to
show effect.
........ 5 iron falling
plates per
gun on a
5 - у ar d
frontage.
About 600
i.	Quick change of position
and rapid opening of fire.
ii.	Concealment by the use
of existing cover.
iii.	Method of carrying the
gun.
iv.	Ammunition supply by
No. 2.
v.	Replacement of casual-
ties.
i.	Rapidity in engaging a
target when on the
march.
ii.	Use of hand-cart.
iii.	Use of existing cover.
iv.	Quick and correct ap-
plication of fire.
v.	Ammunition supply by
carts and dumps.
vi.	Speed in getting out of
action.
NOTES ON METHOD OF CONDUCTING THE PRACTICES.
Part I.—Instructional.
1.	General.—Since Part I is probably the first time a new Lewis
or Hotchkiss gunner fires with service ammunition, careful and
thorough instruction is necessary throughout these practices. The
best results will be obtained by criticizing each portion of a practice
after its completion.
In these practices the firer should learn, as he gains experience,
the peculiarities of his gun and its mounting, and after full explana-
tions and criticism, should be able to compensate for them by suitable
holding. These points should receive careful attention and expla-
nation by the instructor, and each group fired must be a separate
lesson in view of the small number of rounds available for instruc-
tional purposes.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
27
2.	Holding practices, 1 and 2.—(I) Object.—These practices teach
and demonstrate the following:
(i)	The peculiarities of the bipod;
(ii)	Any peculiarities of the mechanism;
(iii)	The sighting of the gun;
(iv)	Correct tension of the return spring, and setting of gas
regulator, which should give a rate of fire of 10 rounds
per second;
(v)	Correct holding and position of the firer.
(2)	Points for criticism.—The instructor watches the firer to see
that he holds and fires the gun correctly. Criticisms should take
place, both at the gun position and at the target on the completion
of each group.
3.	Grouping practices, 3 and 4.—(I) Object.—Having acquired a
knowledge of the peculiarities of his gun, the firer in these practices
loams how to group shots consistently, and obtains further experience
of correct holding, sighting, and adjustment of mechanism and
mounting.
(2	) Points for criticism.—Each group should be fully criticized
as it is fired, both at the gun position and at the target. In practice
4 the result of each of the first two groups should be criticized with
the aid of field glasses from the gun position. The firer should be
taught how to correct his errors.
4.	Application, practice 5.—(I) Object.—Having been taught how
to group correctly, the firer now learns how to apply a group accu-
rately to a given target, to change the point of aim quickly, and to
correct any errors of elevation and direction. The interval between
the first and second group will be only sufficient for a fresh target
to be indicated.
(2)	Points for criticism.—The instructor should take note of the
rate of loading, laying, and firing. The previous practice gives the
firer a guide as to the elevation. At the target errors due to inac-
curacies in laying and elevation should be criticized.
5.	Distribution, practice 6.—Points for criticism.—At the target the
following points should be discussed after each part:
(i)	Application;
(ii)	Length traversed;
(iii)	Density of each group;
(iv)	Elevation; and
(v)	Spaces missed.
6.	Syringing, practice 7.—Points for criticism.—At the target the
evenness of the distribution of the fire, and its effectiveness, will
28
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
be discussed. Attention will be directed to elevation, and spaces
missed.
Part IL—Classification practices.
7.	The practices of Part II will not be fired until the man has
fired Part I satisfactorily. In the classification practices 10,11, and
13, the firer will receive no assistance, and the time limit and methods
of loading must be strictly observed. An officer will always be
present at the butts, and the usual rules for marking, signaling, etc.,
will be followed. Failure to fire from whatever cause, other than de-
fective mechanism, will count against the firer. In the case of a
breakage of mechanism, the practice will be repeated.
8.	Battle sights will not be used, except in practice 12, when their
employment is left to the discretion of the conducting officer.
9.	Practice 9.—A falling plate, or other aiming mark, should be
placed well to a flank of each application target and in line with the
bottom of the target. Only the actual number of rounds required to
find the range should be fired. Rounds thus saved should be used
for Part III.
10.	Practice 10.—The target should be named, but the point of aim
must be left to the firer and no assistance given to him; the previous
practice should have guided him as to elevation, wind, etc.
11.	Practice 11.—Only 50 rounds are to be fired at the target.
Any surplus of the 10 rounds allowed for ranging will be allotted to
Part III. In filling the strips for the Hotchkiss gun, the first five
spaces will be missed in the first strip and the last five spaces in the
second strip.
12.	Practice 12.—This practice will be fired from a sandbag or para-
pet without using the barrel rest or bipod; any position suitable to
the available cover will be adopted.
13.	Practice 13.—The figure will be exposed for three seconds at a
time, and from a different part of the trench at each exposure.
Part III.—Field practices.
14.	Practice 14—Lewis gun.—The gunner lies down 50 yards in rear
of the first position which should be about 600 yards from the target;
No. 2 will lie down about 50 yards to his left rear. On the command
“Action ” No. 1 will pick up the gun and double forward to the posi-
tion indicated and open fire. The gun will be carried in the most
inconspicuous manner, and the magazine will not be on the gun. On
fire being opened, No. 2 will double forward with two magazine car-
riers having full magazines and lie down under cover to the left rear
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	29
of No. 1. The practice will be continued as above, each advance
being about 100 yards. Before the final position, No. 1 should be
made a casualty, and on the command or signal to advance, No. 2
will pick up the gun as he doubles forward and fire it from the final
position.
Points for criticism—
(i)	The pace of the advance, which should be regulated by
' the distance, and physical condition of the firer;
(ii)	The method of carrying the gun, which should combine
freedom of movement and inconspicuousness;
(iii)	The use of cover, and speed in opening .fire; and
(iv) The method of supplying ammunition by No. 2, and his
use of cover.
15.	Practice 14—Hotchkiss gun.—The team (Nos. 1, 2, and 3) will
be formed up, mounted, in order of march, 300 to 400 yards from the
first firing position.
On the command or signal “Action ” they will gallop to a conven-
ient position, affording cover for horses, in rear or to the flank of the
firing position. No. 1 will dismount and run to the firing position
with the gun and open fire. No. 2 will dismount, take off the ammu-
nition box, and run with it to No. 1, when he will assume his usual
position on the right of the gun. The remainder of the practice will
be carried out as with the Lewis gun, except that No. 2 should be on
the right of the gun when in action. No. 2 will replace No. 1 at the
last range.
When the ground is favorable, on the signal “Out of action/’
No. 3 will bring up the horses at the gallop to No. 2, who will repack
the gun, mount, and gallop back to the position originally selected
for the led horses.
Points for criticism.—
(i)	Selection of position for dismounting;
(ii)	Quickness in opening fire, and use of cover in fire position;
(iii)	Method of advance and use of cover;
(iv)	Ammunition supply and use of cover by No. 2; and
(v) Speed in getting out of action.
16.	Practice 15—Lewis gun.—The detachment, with handcarts,
will be moving in column of route when they receive word to engage
the enemy on their flank. They will move as quickly as possible
with the carts to a position which is under cover and is as close to
the fire position as tactical conditions allow. A gun and magazine
carrier will be taken out of the cart by each No. 1, and two magazine
80
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
carriers by each No. 2. The guns will be mounted in a position
offering good cover to the firer. No. 2 will take cover to the rear
and left flank of No. 1.
Nos. 3 and 4 will arrange for ammunition supply, forming “dumps ”
where necessary between carts and guns.
“Cease fire” will be given on obtaining effect, and ammunition
supply will be practiced. No. 1 may be made a casualty to enable
others to fire. On “Out of action” being given, carts will be re-
packed and march be resumed.
Points for criticism.—
(i)	Time taken to come into action;
(ii)	Undue exposure in coming into action;
(iii)	Use of cover;
(iv)	Method of ammunition supply; and
(v)	Speed in coming out of action.
17.	Practice 15—Hotchkiss gun.—A similar practice to that of the
Lewis gun may be fired, substituting ammunition supply from pack
horses, instead of from “dumps.” Alternatively, if the ground is
favorable, a practice may be framed for a retirement from position
to position, two guns working in mutual support. In both cases,
the main object is to give practice in bringing the gun into action
from the horse, opening fire, and remounting the gun again.
Part IV.—Advanced field practices.
The more advanced field practices will take place in close co-
operation with a troop or a platoon.
Total ammunition allowed per man.
	Hotch- kiss gun.	Lewis gun.
Parti		170	152
Part II		169	170
Repetitions. Parts I and II		31	48
PartHI		80	80
Part IV		50	50
Total		500	500
		
INFANTRY MACHINE-GUN
COMPANY TRAINING
(PROVISIONAL)
1917
TO BE READ IN CONJUNCTION WITH INFANTRY
TRAINING AND MUSKETRY REGULATIONS
ISSUED BY THE BRITISH GENERAL STAFF
31

DETAILED TABLE OF CONTENTS FOR INFANTRY
MACHINE-GUN COMPANY TRAINING.
Chapter I.—Organization and Definitions.
Sec.	Page.
1.	Organization........................................ 35
2.	Definitions......................................... 35
Chapter II.—Principles and System of Training.
3.	General instructions................................ 36
4.	Annual training..................................... 36
5.	Elementary training................................. 36
Chapter III.—Section and Company Drill.
SECTION DRILL.
6. General Rules........................................ 37
COMPANY DRILL.
7. Generalities......................................... 37
8.	A company in line moving to a flank in column of route,
11 Action expected ”.............’...................... 37
9.	A company in line moving to a flank in column of route,
‘‘Action not expected ”................................. 38
10.	A company in line advancing in column of sections.	38
11.	A company in column of sections forming line in the same
direction............................................... 39
12.	A company in column of route, “Action not expected/’
forming line facing a flank............................. 39
13.	A company in column of route, “Action expected,”
forming line facing a flank............................. 39
14.	A company in column of route, “Action expected,”
forming line in the same direction...................... 40
15.	A company in column of route, “Action not expected,”
forming line in the same direction...................... 40
Chapter IV.—Machine-Gun Drill.
16.	Allocation of duties............................... 40
17.	Elementary drill.................................... 42
18.	Combined drill...................................... 47
19.	Auxiliary mounting drill............................ 48
101862°—17---3	33
34	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
Sec.	Page.
20.	Rough-ground drill...................................... 51
21.	Trench drill............................................ 51
22.	Section tactical exercise............................... 54
Chapter V.—Fire Direction.
23.	General remarks......................................... 56
24.	Traversing fire......................................... 56
25.	Searching fire.......................................... 57
26.	Combined sights......................................... 58
27.	Overhead fire........................................... 59
28.	Indirect fire........................................... 60
29.	Night firing............................................ 67
30.	Indirect overhead fire.................................. 69
31.	Searching reverse slopes................................ 72
Chapter VI.—Machine Guns in Battle.
32.	Introductory............................................ 73
33.	Characteristics of machine guns and Lewis guns com-
pared.................................................... 74
34.	The employment of Lewis guns............................ 75
35.	The tactical handling of Infantry machine guns.....	75
36.	Machine guns in the attack.............................. 77
37.	Machine guns in the defense............................. 79
38.	Machine guns with an advanced guard..................... 80
39.	Machine guns with a rear guard.......................... 81
40.	Village fighting........................................ 81
41.	Occupation of various positions......................... 82
42.	Signals................................................. 83
Appendix A.
Table I. Tangent elevation, angles of descent, etc......	84
IIa. Trajectory table................................. 84
IIb. Trajectory table for negative quadrant angles....	86
IIIa. Quadrant angle—Target above gun.................. 88
IIIb. Quadrant angle—Target below gun.................. 90
IV.	Wind allowances................................. 92
V.	Allowances for atmospheric influences........... 92
VI.	Time of flight.................................. 93
VII.	Searching reverse slopes........................ 94
Appendix B.
Indirect overhead fire sheet................................. 94
Plates....................................................... 96
Chapter I.
ORGANIZATION AND DEFINITIONS.
1.	Organization.
1.	A machine-gun company consists of—
Headquarters.
Sections, each of 4 guns.
The guns may be either Vickers or Maxims, but all the guns of
the same company will be of the same pattern.
2.	A machine-gun company is commanded by a major or captain
with a captain or lieutenant as second in command.
Each section is divided into two subsections, each commanded by
a subaltern with a sergeant as second in command. The senior of
the two subalterns also commands the section.
3.	The machine guns of a section are carried in two limbered
G.S. wagons. Each section has also one limbered G.S. wagon for
ammunition.
4.	Further details as to personnel and vehicles are given in War
Establishments.
2.	Definitions.
The following definitions are added to those given in Infantry
Training:
Band of fire.—When a machine gun is fired so that the cone of fire
is directed on a fixed aiming mark, while the gun is so sighted that
the first catch is at the muzzle and the cone never rises above the
height of a man, a band of fire is formed in the space between the first
catch and the first graze. (See Pl. XVII.)
For practical purposes on flat ground, the trajectory limits the
length of the band to 600 yards.
Detachment (in a machine-gun company).—The number of men
detailed for the service of one gun. Each detachment is num-
bered from 1 to 6, permanent duties being allotted to each number.
(See secs. 16 and 17.)
Fighting limbers.—Those limbers detailed to carry the guns, tri-
pods, and first supply of ammunition.
In action.—A machine gun is said to be “in action” when it is
mounted, loaded, and laid, but is not necessarily firing.
Indirect fire.—Fire directed at an object or area of ground which
is invisible from the gun position.
85
Зв	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
Laying.—The process of elevating and traversing a gun until its
axis is made to point in any given direction. On completion of
this process the gun is said to be laid.
Machine gun.—A gun of the Vickers or Maxim type. Lewis guns
are not included in the term machine gun.
Position of readiness.—A position in which guns and personnel are
assembled preparatory to coming into action.
Ranges, terms applied to.—These are the same for machine guns
as for the rifle.
Screen of fire—It machine guns are sited on any given defensive
line so that no portion of the gound in front of that line is unswept
by at least one band of fire, that front is said to be protected by a
screen of fire. (See Pl. XVIII.)
Chapter II.
PRINCIPLES AND SYSTEM OF TRAINING.
8. General instructions.
The principles and system of training laid down in Infantry
Training, Chapter I, apply to the training of the personnel of
machine-gun companies.
4.	Annual training.
1.	The details given in Infantry Training, section 8, require
modification to suit the new organization of machine-gun companies.
2.	(a) The establishment given in paragraph 1 of the above-quoted
section has been superseded.
(b) Paragraph 2. There will be no brigade machine-gun officer,
but when necessary the commander of the machine-gun company
attached to the brigade will act as such.
3.	Machine-gun companies will, if available, be practiced in field
operations with infantry battalions, sections being also occasionally
detailed to cooperate with companies of infantry during their
training.
6. Elementary training.
The personnel of machine-gun companies are trained as Infantry
soldiers in squad drill, as laid down in Infantry Training, before
being instructed in the special formations necessary for machine-
gun companies which are given in Chapter III of this manual.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
87
Chapter III.
SECTION AND COMPANY DRILL.
SECTION DRILL.
6.	General rules.
1.	A section will be exercised in all the movements of squad drill,
the word section being substituted for squad.
2.	The rules laid down in Infantry Training, Chapter III, for
section and platoon drill will apply. It must be remembered that
a machine-gun section corresponds to a platoon, and a subsection
to an Infantry section.
3.	The normal positions of the units of a machine-gun section
formed up on parade for inspection are given in Plate I, but a sec-
tion parading by itself for inspection will fall in with one pace
interval between subsections.
COMPANY DRILL.
7.	General rules.
1.	The object of and rules for company drill of a machine-gun
company are the same as laid down in Infantry Training, Chapter
IV, for an Infantry company, with the provisos laid down in section
6 (2) of this manual.
2.	The normal positions of the units of a machine-gun company
in line and in column of route, are given in Plates I, II, and III.
3.	The detail of some special movements is given in the following
sections.
8.	A company in line moving to a flank in column of route, “Action
expected.” 1
Move to the right (or left) in column of route. No. — Section
leading.
1.	The company commander, company sergeant major, and sig-
nalers will take post on the flank nearest the direction of march.
2.	The section commanders will give the command No. — Section,
Form-Fours, Right (or Left), Quick—March, on which the gun limber
i In this and the following sections the title of the section or of the movement is
shown in italics, and is followed in the next line by the caution or executive word of
command in boldface type. The body of the section contains the detail. Cautions
or words of command referred to in the detail are in italics.
88
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
nearest the flank of march will wheel into column of route, followed
by its subsection and in succession by the remaining gun limbers
and subsections in that order.
3.	The ammunition limbers will follow the rear section in the same
order as their sections. They will be followed by the headquarters*
limber, water cart, cook’s cart, and train transport in rear in that
order.
9.	A company in line moving to a flank in column of route, “Action
not expected У
Move to the Bight (or Left) in Column of Boute, Detachments Lead-
ing; Sections, Form—Fours, Bight (or Left).
1.	The company sergeant major and signalers will take post at the
head of the column.
Quick—March.
1.	The men of the detachments will act as in squad drill.
2.	When the rear of the detachments are clear the subsection
officer of the leading section will place himself at the head of the gun
limber nearest the direction of march and give the command, No. —
Section, Walk—March. This limber will be followed by the other
gun limber, while the No. 3 limber waits until the gun limbers of
the remaining sections have passed. The remaining subsection com-
manders will act in a like manner in succession.
3.	The ammunition limbers, headquarters* limber, water cart,
cook’s cart, and train transport will follow in that order in rear, super-
vised by the second in command and the transport sergeant, who will
ride in rear of the column.
4.	The corporals and other details, as shown in Plate II, will act
as brakesmen to the fighting limbers and other vehicles, respectively.
10.	A company in line advancing in column of sections.
Advance in Column of Sections from the Bight (or Left).
1.	The company sergeant major and signalers will take post in
front of the section commander on the right (or left) of the line,
distances as in Plate I.
2.	No. 1 section commander will give the command No. 1 Section,
by the Right, Quick—March. The remaining section commanders in
succession will give the command No. — Section, Quick—March, on
which they will lead their sections into their places in column in
rear of the preceding section.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	89
' 3. The ammunition limbers will take post in rear of the last sec-
tion, the limber nearest the flank of direction leading followed by
the headquarters’ limber, water cart, cook’s cart, and train transport.
11.	A companifin column of sections forming line in the same direction.
At the Halt, on the Left (or Bight), Form Line, Bemainder Left
(or Bight)—Incline.
1.	The leading section commander will give the command No. —
Section, Halt. The remaining sections will incline as ordered, when
each section is immediately in rear of its position in line it will
receive from its commander, Left (or Right) Incline, and, when on
alignment, Halt. The section commander will, if necessary, give the
command Right (or Left) Dress, on which the whole will take up
their dressing by the flank of direction.
2.	The company sergeant major, signalers, ammunition limbers,
water cart, etc., will move to their places in line during the move-
ment.
3.	This movement will always be done at the halt.
12.	A company in column of route, “Action not expected” forming
line facing a flank.
At the halt, line to the left (or right), company halt, left (or right) turn.
1.	The men of the detachments will act as in squad drill.
2.	The subsection officers and the transport sergeant will lead
their wagons to their places in line during the movement, and when
the movement is completed will take up their places in line.
3.	The company sergeant major, signalers, servants, cooks, etc.,
will take up their places in line during the movement.
18. A company in column of route, “Action expected,” forming line
facing a flank.
At the halt, facing left (or right), form line.
The leading gun limber will wheel in the named direction and halt,
followed by the remaining gun limbers, which will wheel and halt
in succession as they arrive at the correct interval. They will be
followed by their respective subsections, which will be led to their
places in line by their subsection sergeants, who will give the com-
mand Halt, left (or right) turn.
40
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
2. The company sergeant major, signalers, ammunition limbers,
headquarters’ limber, water cart, cook’s cart, and train transport
will move to their places in line during the movement.
14.	A company in column of route, “Action expected," forming line in
the same direction.
At the halt, on the left (or right), form line.
The leading gun Umber will halt, the remainder disengaging to
the left (or right) and taking up their places in line. As the gun
Umbers arrive at their places, their respective subsections will dis-
engage by the right. On reaching the correct distance in front
of the gun limbers, each subsection sergeant will give the command
At the halt, on the left (or right), form subsection.
2.	The company sergeant major, signalers, ammunition limbers,
headquarters’ Umber, water cart, etc., will move to their places in
line during the movement.
15.	A company in column of route, “Action not expected," forming
line in the same direction.
At the halt, on the left (or right), form—Company.
1.	The men of the detachments will act as in squad drill.
2.	The gun Umbers will be led to their places in line by their
respective subsection officers.
3.	The company sergeant major, signalers, cooks, servants, etc.,
ammunition limbers, headquarters’ Umber, water cart, cook’s cart,
and train transport will move to their places in line during the move-
ment.
Chapter IV.
MACHINE GUN DRILL.
Note.—The following sections 16 and 17 are substituted for sec-
tions 102 and 103, respectively, in Infantry Training, Chapter VII.
Additional sections, 18 to 22, are added for more advanced training.
In order that training may be progressive, the sequence of these
sections should be adhered to.
16.	Allocation of duties.
1.	The duties of the section commander are to command the sec-
tion in accordance with his orders and the tactical situation, to
select gun positions, to observe and to control fire generally, to regu-
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
41
late the ammunition supply, and to give instructions regarding the
movements of limbered wagons.
2.	The duties of the subsection officer are to assist the section
commander and to act as second in command of the section. He
should be ready to replace the section commander should the latter
become a casualty. Normally he will command one subsection in
action and supervise the transport of his section in quarters and on
the line of march.
3.	The duty of the sergeant is to supervise guns coming into action
as the section officer may direct. He must be prepared to take com-
mand of the section in the event of both the officers becoming casu-
alties. He is responsible for replacing casualties among the gun
numbers when they occur.
4.	The corporal is responsible generally for the packing and con-
tents of the gun limber. On the line of march he marches behind
it and works the brake as required. On the order to unpack he will
superintend the unpacking, and take command in the absence of
the section officer or sergeant. He will have the spare parts box
handy, supervise the ammunition supply and filling of belts, direct
the gun limber as required, superintend the filling of sandbags, and
watch for signals from the section officer. He will be prepared to
take the place of the sergeant should he become a casualty.
5.	The following are the duties of the various numbers:
No. 1 is the firer. He will personally clean and look after his gun
and insure that the mechanism is working smoothly. On going
into action he will carry the Mark IV tripod and place it in a suit-
able position and assist No. 2 in mounting the gun. He repeats all
orders received, observes his own fire when possible, and makes the
necessary alterations of elevation and direction.
No. 2 assists No. 1 at the gun, carries the gun into action when No.
1 is carrying the tripod, and mounts it with the assistance of No. 1.
On going into action he will secure the tube of the condenser to
the gun and take the first-aid case. In action he will attend to the
feeding of the gun, watch for signals from the section or company
officer, and generally assist No. 1.
No. 3 is responsible for keeping the gun supplied with ammuni-
tion, seeing that the condenser (half filled with water) reaches the
gun position before there is any chance of the water in barrel casing
boiling, and carrying out minor repairs while the gun is in action.
No. 4 assists No. 3 in his duties. He is responsible for keeping
No. 3 supplied with ammunition, water, and spare parts from the
spare-parts box as required.
42
MACHINS GUN NOTES NO. 1.
Nos. 5 and 6 are spare men. These numbers and the scout and
range taker, if detailed to the section, act according to the orders of
the section or subsection officer.
6.	Section officers will insure that each man of the section is
thoroughly trained in the duties of each “number.” A system of
“changing round ” will be arranged, so that every man will perform
the several duties of the section in turn.
17.	Elementary drill.
Note.—Elementary drill consists of the following:
(a)	Mounting the gun.
(6)	Loading.
(c)	Sight setting and laying.
(d)	Unloading.
(e)	Dismounting the gun.
(/) Coming into action.
(p) Coming out of action.
(Л) Tap traversing and vertical searching.
(i ) Use of condenser tube and bag with water.
(j) Elementary drill with gun mounted in lowest position.
1.	The guns of a subsection, with tripods and ammunition boxes,
will be placed on the ground; muzzles to the front and in line, legs
to the rear, and clamps sufficiently tight to prevent the legs from
hanging loose when the tripod is lifted off the ground. The travers-
ing clamp should be sufficiently loose to enable the gun to be de-
flected by a sharp tap with the hand on the rear crosspiece; guns on
the right, ammunition boxes 3 paces in rear of the guns. The guns
should be a convenient distance apart, but not closer than 8 paces.
2.	On the command Fall in, the subsection will fall in in two
ranks, 5 paces in front of the interval between the two guns, the
sergeant on the left of the front rank, covered by the corporal in the
rear rank. The front rank will provide the right gun detachment,
the rear rank the left gun detachment.
On the command Number, the subsection will number from right
to left.
On the command Take post, detachments turn outward and
double to their respective guns (the sergeant and the corporal on the
outer flank, where they can superintend). Nos. 1 and 2 fall in on
the left of the tripod and right of the gun, respectively, No. 3 on the
left of the ammunition box. If the ground is suitable, these num-
bers should lie down.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
43
Nos. 4, 5, and 6 should take up positions ag directedzby the in-
structor.
3.	Before commencing drill, each “number” will examine the
gun and equipment as follows:
No. 1 will examine the tripod and see that—
(a)	The legs are closely folded and clamped.
(b)	The traversing clamp is sticky.
(c)	The pins are in and turned down.
(d)	The elevating screws are exposed the same amount.
No. 2 will examine the gun and see that—
(a)	The lock is in and the lock spring is released.
(b)	The sliding shutter is closed (in the Vickers gun).
(c)	The feed block is in and the front cover catch of the
Vickers gun turned down.
(d)	The T fixing pin is screwed up and vertical (Vickers gun).
(e)	The cork plug is in.
(/) The slide of the tangent sight is adjusted to 600 yards.
(g) The auxiliary mounting is correctly fixed and in working
order.
No. 3 will examine the belt and see that—
(a) The cartridges are correctly placed.
(5)	The belt is packed correctly in the box and the lid
fastened.
Nos. 2 and 3 will report to No. 1 when they are satisfied that all is
correct
4.	In each stage of the drill the correct method will first be demon-
strated by the instructor, and will then be practiced by each mem-
ber of the team before proceeding to the next stage. During drill, the
spare numbers will be brought up near the gun to watch and listen
to the criticism. No. 1 will always repeat the words of command
loudly and clearly.
5.	Mounting the gun.—A machine-gun instructional target or
landscape target will be placed about 25 yards from the guns. The
instructor will point out a place for the guns to be mounted, not
more than 5 yards from where they are lying. He will then give
the command Mount gun.
No. 1 picks up the tripod, carries it to the spot ordered, and places
it in position. In adjusting the tripod he must insure that the
socket is upright and that the legs are clamped tight. He must
learn by experience the adjustment that suits him best for the position
ordered and for the nature of the ground, so that he will not be cramped
when firing and will not have to alter the tripod after the gun has been
mounted.
44
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
As soon as the tripod is nearly in position, No. 2 picks up the gun
(with Vickers gun pushes the sliding shutter to the rear), and carries
it to the right side of the tripod holding the rear crosspiece with the
left hand with the gun muzzle to the rear under the right arm. He
then kneels on the left knee, facing the tripod, and supporting the
gun on the right knee places it on the tripod, drives in and turns
down the crosshead joint pin, and removes the cork plug from the
steam escape hole. No. 1 fixes the elevating joint pin, and directs
the gun toward the mark. Meanwhile No. 2 lies down and places
the ammunition box in position.
No. 2 should time his advance so as to reach the tripod at the
moment its adjustment is completed.
When No. 3 sees that the gun is nearly mounted, he carries the
ammunition box forward and places it within reach of No. 2. The
ammunition must be at hand directly No. 2 is ready for it. No. 3
then retires to a position not immediately in rear of the gun. (Stand -
ard time, 20 seconds.)
6.	Loading.—On the command Load, No. 1 pulls the crank handle
on to the roller. (Maxim: Turns the crank handle on to the buffer
spring.) No. 2 passes the tag of the belt through the feed block.
No. 1 with his left hand pulls the belt straight through to the left
front as far as it will go and releases the crank handle. Relaxing the
strain on the belt, No. 1 pulls the crank handle on to the roller
(Maxim: Turns the crank handle on to the buffer spring), pulls the
belt to the left front and releases the crank handle. Each motion
should be clean and distinct. (Standard time, 5 seconds.)
The gun is now loaded and ready to fire.
7.	Sight setting.—For ranges not exceeding 500 yards the fixed
sight will be ordered, except when firing at a very small target,
when orders will be given as in the case of ranges over 500 yards.
For ranges over 500 yards, on the command (Range), e. g. “900.”
No. 1 raises the tangent sight, repeats the order for his own gun, and
adjusts the slide to the elevation required for the distance ordered.
8.	Laying.—On the command At (naming the aiming mark),
No. 2 adjusts the traversing clamp if told to do so by No. 1, and No.
1 lays the gun, maintaining the samq pressure on the handles while
laying as he would when firing.
When the gun is laid, No. 1 raises the automatic safety catch with
the forefinger, and prepares to fire. When No. 1 is ready, No. 2 holds
out his left hand and arm horizontally.
9.	As proficiency increases, the pause between naming the range
and the aiming mark should be slight. (Standard time for sight
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
45
setting and laying, 12 seconds; taken from the time the range is
ordered until No. 2 holds out his hand.)
10.	On the command or signal Fire, No. 1 presses the thumbpiece
or double button.
11.	On the command or signal Cease fire, No. 1 releases the pres-
sure on the thumbpiece or double button, and remains steady.
12.	The points for criticism when the gun is mounted should follow
a definite sequence.
(a)	Tripod:
i.	Position of legs with reference to the ground.
ii.	Clamps of leg tight.
iii.	Socket upright.
iv.	Traversing clamp sticky.
v.	All pins in and turned down.
vi.	Elevating screws equidistant.
vii.	Rear leg in prolongation of line of sight to the target.
(6)	Gun:
i.	Muzzle toward the target.
ii.	Cork plug out.
iii.	Shutter back.
iv.	Belt box in line with the feed block.
v.	No. 1 with holding taken and elbows supported on thighs.
vi.	No. 2 in position.
vii.	Gun fairly level.
viii.	Tangent sight set to 600 yards.
(c)	The following points should also be noted:
i.	Loading; the cleanness of loading must be insisted on.
ii.	Accuracy of sight testing.
iii.	Absolute accuracy of aim.
iv.	Firing; that on the order or signal being given, to open fire,
the double button or thumbpiece is immediately
pressed, without disturbing the laying.
13.	Unloading.—On the command Unload, No. 1 lowers the tan-
gent sight, if it has been raised, and leaves the sight as last adjusted;
he pulls the crank handle twice in succession on to the roller, letting
it fly back each time on to the check lever, and finally depresses the
lower pawls (Maxim: He turns the crank handle twice in succession
on to the buffer spring, letting it fly back each time on to the check
lever) while No. 2 withdraws the belt and packs it in the box; this
must be done correctly, and the lid closed and fastened; No. 1 re-
leases the lock spring by pressing the double button or thumbpiece.
(Standard time, 5 seconds.)
46	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
14.	Dismounting the gun,—On the command Dismount gun, No. 1
removes the elevating and crosshead joint pins.
No. 2 passes the ammunition box to No. 3, replaces the cork plug
when the condenser is not in use, removes the gun as in mounting,
and replaces it in its original position in rear. On reaching this
position, he closes the sliding shutter (Vickers), and readjusts the
tangent sight to 600 if previously altered.
No. 1 carries back the tripod, replaces the cross-head and elevating
joint pins, taking care that they are turned down, and then folds and
clamps the legs. (Standard time, 15 seconds.)
15.	Coming into action.—As proficiency increases, the gunners
should be exercised in performing all the movements required to
bring the gun into action.
On the command or signal Action (followed by range and aiming
mark) the gunners will, from the positions described in paragraph 2,
combine all the foregoing details of mounting, loading, and laying the
gun, No. 2 signifying when No. 1 is “ready” to fire. (Standard
time, 35 seconds.)
16.	Coming out of action.—On the command or signal Out of
Action, the gun will be unloaded without withdrawing the belt from
the feed block. No. 1 will seize the rear leg and rapidly withdraw
the gun and tripod under cover or to the original position, with the
least possible exposure. No. 2 similarly will withdraw the ammuni-
tion box. The gun will then be dismounted in the usual manner.
If the cover is some distance away, Nos. 1 and 2 will carry the gun,
tripod, and belt box in the most convenient manner to cover.
17.	Tap traversing.—Frequent instruction will be given in travers-
ing fire. The firer must first insure that the traversing clamp is just
sufficiently loose to enable the gun to be deflected by means of a
sharp tap with the hand on the rear crosspiece. Each man must
learn by experience the exact degree of clamping he requires, and
before firing he should insure that the clamp is correctly adjusted to suit
himself.
Traversing fire is applied by means of a series of groups fired at
intervals within certain limits indicated by such figures on the ma-
chine gun instructional target as may be ordered by the instructor.
The procedure for horizontal traversing is as follows: The instruc-
tor having described the figures between which fire is to be directed,
will give the command Traversing followed by the signal to fire.
The firer will lay the gun on the flank figure named and press the
button, then tap the gun approximately to the center of the interval
to the next figure, again press the button, then tap, and so on, until
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	47
the limit ordered has been reached. The firer should be taught to
fire groups of about eight rounds by maintaining pressure on the
button for about one second at each group. By this method he will
learn to tap the gun with the necessary force in order to avoid firing
more than one group at the same place, and also to avoid leaving
gaps in the line he is traversing. (Standard time, 2 seconds for each
completed series, i. e., a group and completed traverse.)
As proficiency increases, instruction should be given in diagonal
traversing. In this case the target will be three bands each with
three figures as for horizontal traversing. The bands will be joined
so that each of the outer bands is in the same vertical plane as the
center band and forms an angle of 120° with it.
In this case the firer is taught to combine the use of the elevating
wheel with tapping for deflection, the same principles being ap-
plied as in horizontal traversing. Instruction should be afforded in
traversing from right to left as well as from left to right.
During instruction, fire should be stopped at least twice in
order to check the laying and also to measure the distance traversed.
By comparing the distance traversed with the groups fired, an esti-
mate can be made as to the value of the traversing fired. For
example: Traversing fire is ordered from the first to the sixth figure;
fire is stepped after the fourth group. If the traverse had been cor-
rectly carried out, the gun should be laid on the interval between
the second and third figures. (Standard time, 3 seconds for each
completed group and traverse.)
18.	Swinging traverse,—Against dense targets at close range, the
normal method of traversing is too slow, and fire is unnecessarily
concentrated. The “swinging traverse ” will therefore be employed
for this purpose. This consists of rapidly traversing a given line
with the traversing clamp loose, the limit and speed of traverse
being controlled by the action of the gunner.
Elementary instruction in ‘‘swinging traverse” will be given on
the machine gun instructional target. The gunner will be trained
to traverse evenly and smoothly the breadth of the target from out-
side figure to outside figure in about 5 seconds.
As proficiency is attained, practice will be afforded in traversing
various types of targets which are suitable for this method of fire.
18.	Combined drill.
Instruction in machine-gun signals (see Infantry Training, sec.
164) must be given before combined drill is commenced, and these
signals should henceforth be used whenever possible.
48
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
Combined drill is best carried out with four or more guns. Con-
densers will always be attached and bags filled. Barrel-casings
will also be filled. Competition between detachments should be
encouraged with a view to increasing proficiency in elementary
drill. The following subjects are taught during combined drill:
(a)	The execution and delivery of fire orders.
(6)	The use of combined sights.
(c)	Indication and recognition of targets.
(d)	Immediate action.
(e)	The replacement of breakages.
(J) Casualties.
The instructor should take times, correct mistakes, and carefully
note the performance of each detail. When combined drill is car-
ried on out of doors in fine weather, all numbers should lie down,
3 and 4 forming a short chain, and the remainder representing re-
serves in the rear.
19.	Auxiliary mounting drill.
1.	The auxiliary (light) mounting is not intended to replace the
Mark IV tripod. The gun can be placed on the Mark IV tripod
without removing the light mounting.
It is intended for use in—
(a)	The firing line.
(6)	Rapid advances.
(c)	Trench to trench rushes.
(d)	Fighting in captured trenches when hurried changes of
position are essential, etc.
(e)	Trench fighting, when the gun has to be fired hurriedly
from a position other than the battle emplacement, or
when the Mark IV tripod has been destroyed.
The gun can be carried by either one or two men, as desired.
The leather straps, one on the rear crosspiece and one on the front
clip band, enable Nos. 1 and 2 to carry the gun between them.
They should move in single file, thus concealing the gun from the
front. In this way the fact that a machine gun is being brought
up will be more easily concealed from the enemy.
When in action in the open with the light mounting, No. 1 should
lie on his back, with his legs to the left of the tripod, No. 2 being
on his right-hand side, supporting the firer’s back and neck with
his legs. (See Pl. VII.)
2.	When it is desired to have the gun carried by one man, Nos.
1 and 2 should move extended to two or three paces, but conform-
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	49
ing as far as possible to neighboring infantry extensions, No. 1
carrying the gun and No. 2 two or more boxes of ammunition and
first aid case.
3.	The following method will be taught in addition to other
methods which may be suitable on special occasions. The gun
will be carried vertically on the right-hand side, muzzle upward,
the right hand grasping the rear leather band, back of the hand
to the front, and taking all the weight; the left hand steadying the
muzzle end by means of the light mounting clip.
The method of carrying the gun on the shoulder leads to ex-
posure, and is unsuitable in trenches or when in close contact with
the enemy.
The condenser tube will be attached throughout.
4.	(a) For drill purposes about 3 seconds after No. 1 has opened
fire he should pull the crank handle on to the roller, thus allowing
the short length of belt to be pulled through the feed block and
the web belt inserted.
(b)	The fixed sight is invariably used in light mounting work;
consequently the tangent sight will not be raised.
(c)	Stoppages should be practiced.
(d)	When this drill is carried out on rough ground the necessary
precautions for concealment will be observed when bringing the
gun into and out of action.
5.	Drill with “two-man load.”—The gun, with light mounting
attached, legs closed and engaged in the clip, will be placed on the
ground 20 yards in the rear of the selected position upon which
the gun is to be brought into action.
The muzzle of the gun will be placed to the front.
Nos. 1 and 2, each with an ammunition belt box containing a
few dummy cartridges at the end of the belt, will assume the prone
position, No. 1 behind the rear crosspiece, No. 2 on the right of
the gun. No. 2 will have also a short length of belt with two dummy
cartridges in its leading end, and the first aid case.
The condenser bag will not be carried.
6.	On the caution Prepare to advance.—No. 1 will—
(a)	Pull back the sliding shutter.
(b)	Perform the first half of the loading motion.
(c)	Throw the short length of belt over the feed block to the
left.
(d)	Release the lock spring.
(e)	Turn the gun on its left-hand side.
101862 е—17---4
50	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
No. 2 will—
(a)	Insert the short length of belt in the feed block.
(b)	See that the front leather strap is to the top.
(c)	Open the tripod legs after (e).
7.	On the command Action, the numbers spring to their feet
seizing the appropriate straps, and, each carrying a belt box in the
disengaged hand, will move rapidly to the position selected. No. 1
has the strap in his right hand; No. 2 in his left hand.
8.	On arrival at the position, No. 1 will call out Action and—
(a)	Steady the tripod and lie down, placing the belt box in a
convenient position for No. 2.
(b)	Throw the short length of belt over to the right and com-
plete the loading motions.
(c)	Adjust the rear leather strap if necessary.
(d)	Open fire.
No. 2 will—
(a)	Turn down the front leather strap.
(6)	Lie down and support No. 1.
(c)	Open the belt box and hold a new belt ready.
9.	On the caution Prepare to advance, preceded by the command
Cease fire, No. 1 will unload; No. 2 removes the web belt and inserts
the short length of belt, if there has been time to replace it.
10.	On the command Out of action, the gun will be unloaded
without removing the belt from the feed block and will be withdrawn
until cover is reached, when No. 1 will—
(a)	Depress the pawls and release the lockspring.
(b)	Close the sliding shutter.
No. 2 will—
(a)	Pack away the belts.
(b)	Adjust the front strap.
Both will then jump up and retire, carrying the boxes and gun.
11.	Drill with asingle load.”—As for drill with the two-man load,
except that No. 2 will carry both belt boxes.
12.	On the caution Prepare to advance, the same procedure will be
followed as for the two-man load, except that No. 2 should see that
the front strap is at the bottom.
13.	On the command Action, as for the two-man load, except that
No. 1 carries the gun alone; No. 2 the belt boxes. In moving for-
ward, No. 2 should extend to the right, and close in again on No. 1
on nearing the position.
The remainder of the drill follows the same lines as for the two-
man load.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
51
20.	Rough ground drill.
1.	The gun will be mounted throughout on a steep slope, for
firing in each of the following directions in turn:
(a)	Down.
(6)	Up.
(c)	Horizontally to the right.
(d)	Horizontally to the left.
Nos. 1, 2, and 3 with the gun, tripod, and ammunition box, and 4
with water bag (full) and another box of ammunition, will be in a
position of readiness not more than 10 yards from the selected posi-
tion. The instructor having marked the position and pointed it out,
the gun numbers, on receipt of a target and range, will, on the order
Action, mount, load, and lay the gun on the target indicated. The
same procedure will be followed for each of the four positions.
2.	The following points are important:
(a)	Correct setting up of the tripod, the rear leg always downhill.
(6)	The positions adopted by Nos. 1 and 2 (as regards fire effect,
exposure, and comfort).
(c)	The position of the ammunition box to insure correct feed.
(d)	The position of No. 3 (minimum exposure with facility for
supply).
(e)	The position of No. 4.
(/) The gun must be properly in action, and all details of elemen-
tary training must be observed.
21.	Trench drill.
1.	The object of trench drill is to practice:
(a)	Posting and relieving sentries and No. 1.
(b)	Relieving detachments.
(c)	Action in trenches.
(d)	Preparing to advance and coming into action.
(e)	Quick change to an alternative position.
All the above should be practiced on the barrack square before
drill takes place in the trenches.
2.	Posting and relief ofsentries and No. 1.—The principles involved
are identical with those of posting and relief of an infantry sentry
on guard or outpost duty.
3.	At a gun position in trenches:
(a)	By day only one number need be on duty at the gun position,
and he will be the sentry.
52
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
(b)	By night two men will always be on duty; one being the sentry,
who is keeping a lookout, and the second being the No. 1 for the term
of duty. The latter is actually at the gun, and may sit down, but
must be awake.
4.	A gun number (if by night, usually the last number on gun
duty) will be posted as a sentry—by day with a periscope or at a
loophole if no periscope is available; by night, looking over the parar
pet. He will be acquainted with the position of all emplacements
allotted to his gun, and will have a thorough knowledge of the fol-
lowing:
(a)	The section of the ground covered by the gun which it is his
duty to watch.
(6)	Points shown on the range card.
(c)	Special orders for his gun position during his relief. These may
include action as regards patrols, wiring parties, etc.
(d)	Standing orders for the sentry on machine-gun emplacements.
He will be informed of any unusual circumstances noticed by his
predecessor.
The relieving No. 1 will inspect the gun and insure that the gun
is in firing order, also that all necessary equipment is in place. He
will be informed of any special fire orders which may have been
issued for that gun.
All the foregoing is applicable to internal relief within a gun de-
tachment. For relief of sentries when sections or companies are
concerned see paragraphs 5 and 6.
5.	Relief of detachments.—The guide with the relieving detach-
ment will lead them to the dugout of the detachment to be relieved,
and report to the gun commander of that detachment that the reliev-
ing detachment has arrived.
The relieving N. С. O. or man in charge will—
(a) Ascertain the positions of the gun, the sentry, alternative
emplacements, his officer’s headquarters, the nearest telephone,
and the latrine.
(&) Take over and give a receipt for trench stores.
(c)	Receive a report from his No. 1 when his gun, etc., is present
and correct.
(d)	Ensure that his No. 1 understands his orders, range card, etc.,
for his gun, and show him the alternative emplacements.
(e)	Order his No. 1 to mount his tripod (and gun, if relief is by
night), and see that this is done correctly.
(/) Detail his first sentry, and instruct him to take over.
(g) Report to his officer, “Relief complete.”
(Л) Draw out a duty roster.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
58
6.	The relieving sentry will ascertain the orders for the sentry as
detailed in paragraph 4, and, in addition, will find out—
(a)	Whether the gun has been fired during the previous relief.
(b)	Ii so, at what target, and from what emplacement.
7.	The officer in charge of the relieving detachment will—
(a)	On arrival in the trench sector to be defended by his guns,
report to the officer of the guns to be relieved.
(b)	Remain with him and receive reports from his gun com-
manders.
(c)	Receive any instructions or information with regard to the
situation, other than those he has learned during his previous recon-
naissance.
(d)	As soon as the relieved detachment has moved off he will go
round all his guns and make sure that his gun commanders have
carried out their work correctly. At the same time he will see that
any special orders he may have issued with regard to work to be
done, standing fire orders, etc., are being complied with.
(e)	Report “Relief complete” to his machine-gun company com-
mander and to the company commander of the trench sector in
which he finds himself.
(/) See that his arrangements for communication are on a satis-
factory basis.
8.	Officers in charge of detachments relieved will not move off
until their detachments are reported closed up and complete.
ACTION IN TRENCHES.
9.	(a) By day.—On the command Aciion, the sentry runs to the
dugout, wakes the other members, takes the gun to the emplace-
ment, mounts, loads and lays; No. 2 follows immediately with the
ammunition and first-aid case, and the remaining members stand
by in the dugout. When the occupants of the trench are ordered
to Stand-to, the above procedure is carried out by the machine-gun
detachments, except that the gun is only half loaded.
The loophole (if blinded) would have to be cleared before fire could
be opened; the actual moment when this should be done depends on
the nature of the situation.
(6)	By night.—On the command Action, No. 1 will complete the
loading motions. The sentry will waken the men in the dugout and
return to his post.
(c)	Practice should be given in mounting the gun on the auxiliary
mounting in alternative positions during drill by day to represent
the Mark IV mounting having been destroyed.
И	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
Practice will also be given with the pivot and ammunition box
mountings.
PREPARE TO ADVANCE.
10.	(a) By day.—The sentry will run to the dugout and warn the
other numbers. Nos. 1 and 2 will carry out their duties as laid down
for the caution Prepare to advance in “Auxiliary Mounting Drill.”
(Sec. 19 (6).) After this is completed they will carry the gun from
the dugout to the correct place in the trench. No. 3 will come up
and dismount the tripod.
(5) Bu night.—Nos. 1 and 2 will be in their proper positions (see
par. 3), spare parts, short length of belt, and two belt boxes in the
emplacement, spare numbers in the dugout. On the command Pre-
pare to advance, No. 1 will unload, withdraw the web belt, insert the
short length, perform half the loading motions, throw the short
length over the feed block and release the lock spring; while No. 2
warns the spare numbers in the dugout. The latter then returns to
the gun, helps No. 1 to dismount, opens the auxiliary legs, and both
adjust the leather straps. The gun is then brought to the easiest
place from which to climb over the parapet, two belt boxes, spare
parts, etc., being brought with it. No. 3 dismounts the tripod when
the emplacement is clear, and awaits further orders.
(c) On the command One-man load, Action, or Two-man load,
Action, either by day or night, Nos. 1 and 2 will act as laid down in
section 19, (7) and (8). No. 3 will assist Nos. 1 and 2 with their
equipment over the parapet.
(d) At this stage the instructor may either—
(i) Give the command Out of action, on which the gun num-
bers will retire with the gun to their original position, or
(ii) Order No. 3 to advance with Mark IV tripod and mount
it near Nos. 1 and 2, taking care that there is no crowd-
ing of men.
22. Section tactical exercises.
1. Section tactical exercises will include all details of training
that a section of machine guns should receive from the section offi-
cer. If these exercises are carefully prepared and executed, the
section officer on service will be relieved from the necessity of
supervising the detailed execution of his orders, and will be left free
to devote his attention to the genertd situation, while maintaining
control of the movements and actions of his guns.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	55
2. Exercises with one gun.—The position of readiness will be not
closer to the gun position than about 50 yards. Instead of indi-
cating the exact position on which the tripod will be set up the in-
structor will mark two points about 30 yards apart, between which
the gun will come into action. The ground selected should afford
practice in firing in the positions described in rough ground drill
(sec. 20). Whenever possible there should be only one small por-
tion of the prescribed frontage from which the objective can be seen
when the gun is in action. By this means the detachment will be
practiced in selecting suitable gun positions to ineet the particular
requirements of the situation, and thus develop an eye for ground.
In these exercises attention will be paid to the following points:
(a) The use of ground to obtain the greatest possible concealment
in approaching the gun position from the position of readiness. This
should be kept in mind by the instructor in selecting positions.
(5) The method of approach to the gun position as regards carrying
the gun, tripod, and ammunition box. Concealment is of greater im-
portance than rapidity within reasonable limits.
(c) Proficiency in the lessons taught in rough ground drill. Ob-
servers will be sent out to note visibility in the approach, in mount-
ing, and when the gun and detachment are in action.
3.	Exercises with two guns.—The entire subsection will be exer-
cised with two guns on the same progressive lines as those laid down
in paragraph 2. The actual position of each gun will be marked by
the instructor in order to bring out the handling of the section with
reference to the ground and the requirements of the situation. The
tactical situation should be described in greater detail than is neces-
sary for elementary drill purposes in order to employ scouts and range
takers in a realistic manner. A simple tactical situation should be
given and ranges actually taken. The position of the gun limber, of
which the corporal will be in charge, will be represented by a hand-
cart or indicated by a flag. The supply of ammunition will be ac-
tually carried out, empty boxes being returned. The men will be
changed around at intervals so that each may be exercised in the du-
ties of the various numbers.
4.	The points to be attended to in rough ground drill (sec. 20) and
in tactical exercises with one gun (par. 2) should be carefully ob-
served and the performance criticized.
5.	Further instruction should be given by carrying out a certain
number of elementary tactical exercises, involving all duties of
machine-gun section or subsection establishments, with a view to
56	MACHINE GUN NOTBS NO. 1.
developing cooperation between the gun numbers and initiative.
These exercises should comprise movements of various kinds over a
wider stretch of country than hitherto attempted. Complete exer-
cises should be prepared in detail, with maps, instructions, and
points for criticism.
When possible, trained men should be used to demonstrate the
methods employed.
6.	Schemes should also be framed for the purpose of training
machine-gun officers in the tactical principles laid.down in Infantry
Training and Field Service Regulations, as well as those given in this
manual, and in Notes for Infantry Officers on Trench Warfare. These
exercises should involve the rapid appreciation of a situation, the
issue of orders to meet the situation, and the control of machine guns.
The actual presence of guns on such tactical schemes is of value,
in order to test to some extent the feasibility of the execution of the
orders given. The presence, however, is not essential for the con-
duct of the exercise.
Chapter V.
FIRE DIRECTION.
23.	General remarks.
1.	The theory of rifle fire and its practical application discussed in
Chapter III of the Musketry Regulations is equally applicable to
the fire of machine guns, due regard being had to the greater concen-
tration or closer grouping of shots produced by the fire of a machine
gun than by the fire of an equivalent number of rifles.
2.	The principal methods of machine-gun fire are dealt with in
Infantry Training, section 163. Some further methods are given in
this chapter.
3.	It must be remembered that these methods are not suitable for
Lewis guns, but only for machine guns fired from a fixed platform,
such as the Mark IV tripod.
4.	Various tables for use in these methods of fire are given in
Appendix A.
24.	Traversing fire.
1.	The principles of traversing are taught during elementary gun
drill and during the annual and general machine-gun courses.
(See also Infantry Training, sec. 163 (1) (iii).)
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
57
2.	This method of engaging a linear target possesses certain dis-
advantages. It is a slow method and requires careful training, and
the regularity of the groups may possibly detract from the effect
produced on the target. The former can be remedied to a great
extent by seeking opportunities for oblique fire, thus reducing trav-
ersing to a minimum. Fire effect from this very systematic form of
traversing may be lost owing to the enemy anticipating where the
next series of groups will fall. This can be overcome if the gunner
is trained to apply series of groups at different parts of the linear
target in turn.
3.	An alternative method is the “swinging traverse,” the travers-
ing clamp being kept fairly loose, and the gun swung evenly and
smoothly from side to side. This method may sometimes be found
necessary against dense targets at close range, when the normal
method would be too slow.
Using this method, a gun can distribute fire over approximately 30
yards of front in five seconds at close ranges.
25.	Searching fire.
1.	The principles of searching are demonstrated in Part I of the
Annual and General Course for Vickers, Maxim and Colt Guns. It
is used when only one or two guns are available or combined sights
will not overcome ranging errors. It requires much skill on the part
of the firer to avoid gaps. The size of the groups fired will depend
on the nature of the target engaged.
2.	When one gun is being employed in “searching” the sights are
adjusted so that the first group will include the lowest limit of range
to be searched, which is dependent on the probable error to be ex-
pected in estimating the range. The gun is then laid on the aiming
mark, and the sights adjusted without relaying, so that the last group
will include the highest limit of range. The line of sight will now
strike the ground short of the aiming mark. (See Pl. XXII.) A
group will now be fired, after which the elevating wheel will be so
turned as to cause the next group to strike sufficiently far beyond the
first to insure an overlap. This is continued until the line of sight
is again brought on to the aiming mark.
3.	When using two guns the left gun will act as described above;
the sights of the right gun will be adjusted in the first instance to the
highest limit, and will work down to the lowest limit. (See Pl.
XXIII.)
4.	Searching will be discontinued if observation of results is
obtained.
58
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
5.	The effect of ground rising with respect to the line of sight must
be considered when combined sights or searching is employed.
(See Musketry Regulations, sec. 187.)
6.	Combined sights, searching, or a combination of both can also
be used for engaging targets of great depth, such as roads, bridges, etc.
26.	Combined sights.
Combined eights is a method of increasing the beaten zone by
ordering two or more guns to engage the same target with different
elevations. It can be used to engage targets of great depth, or it
may be employed to insure that the target shall fall within the
beaten zone, when the range to the target is uncertain. (See Pl.
XXI.)
The table below shows the number of guns required, and the
differences for 5 per cent, 10 per cent, and 15 per cent errors in
ranging. The table is not extended to include a larger number of
guns than four, as on service a section would most probably be the
.largest unit under the control of a single fire commander.
Combined sights table.
75 per cent effective beaten zone.
90 per cent effective beaten zone.
Estimated
fange.
Error
in
rang-
ing.
Least
num-
ber of
guns.
Differ-
ences
be-
tween
guns.
Estimated
range.
Error
in
rang-
ing.
Least
num-
ber of
guns.
Differ-
ences
be-
tween
guns.
10
15
10
15
5
10
2
2
3
3
4
2
4
Per ct.
700 and 800.......... 15
900 and 1,000...
1,100............
1,200............
1,300 ................ 5
1,400,1,500, and	1	-
1,600..........f	a
1,700 to 2,100....	5
4
100
100
100
100
100
50
50
50
50
50
50
50
1,000 and 1,100..
1,200 and 1,300..
1,400............
1,500............
1,600............
1,700 to 2,000,
inclusive........
2,100 and above.
Per ct.
15
10
15
10
15
5
10
5
10
5
10
5
2	100
2	100
3	100
3	100
4	100
2	100
3	100
2	100
3	100
2	100
4	100
2	100
The number of variables in the table above makes it difficult to lay down any
accurate rule for the employment of combined sights. For average service conditions
the following will be found to give good results.
Rule.—Always use as many guns as possible: With 100 yards differences, if
error in ranging is probably considerable; 50 yards differences if error in ranging is
probably small.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	59
27.	Overhead fire.
1.	Overhead fire with machine guns may be employed under cer-
tain conditions. The following factors, all of which tend to increase
the difficulty and risk, necessitate the working out of a reasonable
margin of safety:
(a) The state of the barrel.
(&) The condition of the tripod and the nature of the ground on
which mounted.
(c)	The degree of visibility of the target.
(d)	Errors due to ranging and climatic conditions.
(e)	Accuracy of laying and holding by the firer.
2.	The flat trajectory of modem ammunition necessarily restricts
overhead fire at the closer ranges, if the gun position, friendly troops,
and tire enemy are approximately in the same horizontal plane;
while at long ranges the dispersion of the cone of fire and difficulty
in ranging make it necessary to insist on'ample precautions being
taken to insure safety.
3.	Overhead fire, therefore, may normally only be employed
under the following conditions:
(a)	When the distance to the target has been obtained accu-
rately; that is, by a highly trained range taker, who is able to guar-
antee the distance within 5 per cent of error.
(6)	When the No. 1 at the gun is an expert firer.
(c)	When an angle of not less than 30 minutes is formed by the
intersection of imaginary lines drawn from the target and friendly
troops to the gun, the distance to the target being 1,000 yards or
under. If the distance to the target is over 1,000 yards, the angle
thus formed should be not less than 60 minutes, if over 1,500 yards
not less than 100 minutes, provided always that fire must cease
whenever the friendly troops reach a distance of 2,000 yards from
the gun, since the position of the lowest shot over this range is
uncertain.
The above angles give a sufficient margin of safety at 1,000, 1,500,
and 2,000 yards, respectively. At distances within 1,000 yards,
between 1,000 and 1,500 yards, and between 1,500 and 2,000 yards,
the margin of safety continually increases. In order to obtain
these safety angles, it will often be necessary to seek commanding
positions for the guns, i. e., rising ground, upper stories of houses, etc.
4.	The foregoing instructions may be modified provided accurate
and reliable observation is insured. This, however, is a matter for
the exercise of judgment and common sense on the part of the
machine-gun commander. Too much reliance must not be placed
60
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
on the ability of an observer to pick up the cone of fire during an
attack. The fire of the attacking troops, the supporting troops and
the artillery will probably be such that the machine-gun cone of
fire can not be observed correctly.
5.	The safety angles may be obtained as follows:
(a)	From prismatic field glasses, graticuled for Mark VII ammu-
nition. In this case the distance between the zero line and the 600
yards graticule gives the required angle for 1,000 yards and under;
the distance between the zero line and the 1,000 yards graticule will
give the angle for distances between 1,000 and 1,500 yards, and the
distance between the zero line and the 1,300 yards graticule will
give the angle for distances between 1,500 and 2,000 yards.
(6)	With the aid of the graticule card as follows:
Hold the card vertically and at the full length of the cord from
the eye; the space between the safety lines marked will then give
the required angles. (See Pl. XXIV.)
(c)	By means of the tangent sight:
Lay the gun on the target with the correct elevation; then move
the slide up 300 yards for all ranges up to 2,000 yards without altering
the elevation of the gun; and adopt the auxiliary aiming mark thus
found. (See Pl. XXV.)
With the tangent sight method, the firer must note carefully the
auxiliary aiming mark obtained after raising the slide, and re-lay on
this mark. If he is traversing, he must find a second auxiliary
aiming mark at the other end of the line to be traversed, and must
traverse along an imaginary line joining the two auxiliary aiming
marks and parallel to the enemy’s position.
The tangent sight method and either graticuled glasses or a grati-
cule card should be used simultaneously, in conjunction with and
as a check on each other.
When the heads of the friendly troops become visible to the firer
over the sights, he should not cease fire, but should elevate his gun,
taking the enemy position as his auxiliary aiming mark. This will
cause the cone of fire to search ground in rear of the enemy’s position,
which may be occupied by his supports and reserves.
28.1 Indirect fire.
1.	On occasions indirect fire may be used. This form of fire is
rendered possible by the Mark IV tripod of the machine gun. Guns
not fired from a fixed platform must never be used for indirect fire.
1 Note.—This section does not deal with overhead indirect fire or with searching
reverse dopes, for which see pars. 30 and 31, respectively.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
61
2.	Indirect fire may be of great value in annoying the enemy and
affecting his morale, but, except under unusually favorable condi-
tions, can not be expected to inflict serious loss.
The main disadvantages of indirect fire are that it requires, in
most cases, a great deal of preparation and accuracy in calculation.
Unless officers possess experience, it may sometimes be employed
under conditions where direct fire is not only possible but necessary.
Under certain conditions it may be positively dangerous to our own
troops.
3.	As the target is invisible, the problems to be solved are—
How to lay the gun, both to obtain and to put on elevation
and direction; and
How to maintain the laying.
The methods of solving these problems are given in skeleton form
in the following table. The actual details of each of the methods
are given in the subsequent paragraphs.
*	Indirect fire table.
Direction.
See
par.
Elevation.
Obtained by—
Posts, direct.......................
Map and compass..................
Map, protractor, and reference object.
Put on gun by—
Posts and compass...................
Reference object and direction dial...
Maintained by—
Auxiliary aiming mark...............
Direction dial...................
8 Graticules...................... 4
9 ..................................
10 Contoured map.................. 5
11 Elevation dial............... 6
12 Tangent sight................ 7
15 Auxiliary aiming mark......	13
16 Elevation dial............... 14
4. To obtain elevation by means of graticules.
By means of graticules cut across the focal plane of a pair of pfts-
matic field glasses, or by graticules printed on a card with a string
for a base, indirect fire can be as quickly applied as ordinary direct
fire. These graticules are similar to an inverted backsight and
represent the angles of elevation for the gun. The topmost graticule
represents zero, and the lines below represent every 100 yards
upwards, from 200 yards.
The procedure is as follows:
(i) Obtain the range to the target.
(ii) Select an auxiliary aiming mark visible to the firer and
directly above the target.
(iii) Move to a position whence the target and the auxiliary aim-
ing mark already chosen can be observed; look at the target in such
a way that the graticule, representing the range to the target, falls
62	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
across the target; then see which graticule falls across this aiming
mark. (See Pl. XXVI.)
The range corresponding to this graticule is the tangent elevation
at which to open fire, using the aiming mark already chosen to lay
on. By this means accuracy may be obtained from a gun which is
invisible to the enemy. It is important to get an aiming mark
vertically above the target, making' any necessary allowance for
wind. This method becomes inaccurate when the eye of the
observer using the graticuled glasses is much below or above the
gun.
If it is found necessary to increase dr decrease the elevation after
fire has been opened, the following method must be employed
since the position of the slide does not indicate the range to the
target. The range on the sights is the range for the aiming mark
and not the actual range to the target, e. g., the sights may show 500
yards when the target is 1,200 yards away. If in this case the cone
of fire is observed to fall 100 yards short of the target, the necessary
correction will not be obtained by moving the slide of the tangent
sight up to 600 yards. It will be necessary to move the slide up for
the same distance as from 1,200 yards to 1,300 yards. In moving
the slide up for all ranges below 1,500 yards, as many clicks can be
heard on the ratchet of the tangent sight as there are hundreds of
yards in the range, e. g., between 1,000 and 1,100 yards there are
10 clicks, between 1,100 and 1,200 yards 11 clicks, and so on. In
the present example, therefore, it will be necessary to move the
slide up for 12 clicks. If the cone of fire were falling 50 yards short,
it would be necessary to move the slide up for 6 clicks.
This method of indirect fire must not be employed when firing
over the heads of our own troops.
5.	To obtain elevation by means of a contoured map.
Having noted on the map the exact positions of gun and target,
measure the distance between them. From Table I, Appendix
A, obtain the corresponding angle of tangent elevation.
From the map note the contours on which the gun and target lie
and by subtraction obtain the difference in height between them.
By means of the angle of sight formula,1 knowing the range and the VI
i Note.—The ‘‘angle of sight” can be calculated by means of the following approx-
imate formula:
VI
g~rX3400—angle of sight in minutes.
Where VI and HE are in the same denomination.
Ta convert yards to meters deduct one-tenth.
To convert meters to yards add one-tenth.
From tables in Appendix A the quadrant angle can be obtained directly without
working out the angle of sight.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	68
difference in height between gun and target, work out the angle of
eight. If the angle of sight is found to be positive, add it to the
angle of tangent elevation to obtain the angle of quadrant elevation
necessary to put on the gun; if, on the other hand, the angle of sight
is found to be negative, subtract it.
6.	To put on elevation by means of the elevation dial.
To place the required quadrant elevation on the gun—
(a)	Level the gun by the spirit level No. 1 taking the holding
pressure.
(b)	Slip the dial round till zero is under the pointer without dis-
turbing the bubble. ’
(c)	Clamp the dial to, but without disturbing the elevating wheel.
(d)	Turn the elevating wheel till the required angle is obtained.
One revolution of the elevating wheel produces 4° of elevation or
depression on the gun. To obtain an angle of elevation of 8° the
elevating wheel would have to be revolved twice. The elevation
dial is accordingly graduated to 4°, showing subdivisions of five
minutes, which are easily capable of subdivision by eye.
(e)	If an obstruction exists between gun and target, make sure
before firing that the shots will clear it. (See par. 17.)
7.	To put on elevation by means of the tangent sight.
This method entails the use of an auxiliary aiming mark which
must be at least 100 yards distant front the gun.
To put elevation on the gun by means of the tangent sight, con-
vert the angle of quadrant elevation (see par. 5 above) into a range
by reference to Table I, Appendix A. Then level the gun by the
spirit level, No. 1 taking the holding pressure.
Any of the four following cases may occur:
(a)	Quadrant elevation is positive and a suitable natural auxiliary
aiming mark can be seen or an artificial one put out.
(6)	Quadrant elevation is negative and a suitable natural auxiliary
aiming mark can be seen or an artificial one put out.
(c)	Quadrant elevation is positive, but there is no suitable natural
auxiliary aiming mark, nor can an artificial one be placed in position.
(d)	Quadrant elevation is negative, but there is no suitable natural
auxiliary aiming mark, nor can an artificial one be placed in position.
Cases (c) and (d) may occur when the ground slopes down steeply
in front of the gun.
Case (a) .—With sights at zero, look along the sights and select a
natural aiming mark or place one out and lay on it. Run the tan-
gent sight up to the range found above and relay on the auxiliary
aiming mark.
64	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
Case (&).—Run the tangent sight up to the range found above
(disregarding the sign), maintaining the holding. Select a suitable
natural aiming mark or place one out and lay on it. Run the sights
down to zero and relay on the auxiliary aiming mark.
Case (c).—Run the tangent sight up till some suitable natural
or artificial auxiliary aiming mark is visible and lay on it. Note
the range on the tangent sight and convert into an angle by means
of the table given in Appendix A. Add to this angle the angle of
quadrant elevation found as in (par. 5). Convert the answer into a
range by means of the table given in Appendix A. Run the sights
up to this range and relay.
Case (d).—Run the tangent sight up till some suitable natural or
artificial auxiliary aiming mark is visible and lay on it. Note the
range on the tangent sight and convert into an angle by means of
the table given in Appendix A. Subtract from this angle the angle
of quadrant elevation found as in par. 5. Convert the answer into
Fig. 1.
a range by means of the table given in Appendix A. Run the sights
down to this range and relay.
8.	To obtain direction by posts, direct.
By day, an observer selects the gun position and also the target
he wishes to engage. He places a stick (L) (see fig. 1) in the ground
in rough alignment between the target and gun position. He then
crawls back and, if necessary, places a second stick (L2) in exact
alignment with his first stick (L) and the target, continuing the
process until his last stick is visible from the gun position (G). If
it is probable that more than one target is to be engaged, other sticks
(Z1,12) can be placed between the stick (G) and the different targets
(T, T1). To do this an assistant is required to place the sticks in
position while the observer dresses them from G. It is necessary
to place the sticks vertically in the ground, and the stick (G) should
not be more than 6 inches above the ground to avoid being knocked
over by the crosshead of the tripod when it is placed over it.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
65
Should it be found impossible to place the stick (L) in position
owing to the proximity of the enemy, the stick (G) should first be
placed in position, and a second stick (M) placed in rear of it and in
alignment with (G) and the target.
Under cover of darkness the position of (L) can be easily ascer-
tained by an observer at (M) directing an assistant to place a stick
in alignment with (M) and (G).
9.	To obtain direction by map and compass.
To direct fire onto a target invisible to the guns, a map having a
scale of not less than 1/20,000 must be used. The exact position of the
guns nust be marked also. This can be done by resection. (See
Chapter XIV, Manual of Map Reading and Field Sketching.)
The magnetic bearing of the target from the gun position must be
worked out on the map. If the target to be engaged is a linear one,
way.
10.	To obtain direction by map, protractor and reference object.
The exact position of the gun must be marked on the map as
directed in paragraph 9 above. If possible, a reference object
should be selected, which is marked on the map and visible from
the gun position. If the only suitable reference object visible from
the gun position is not marked on the map, its magnetic bearing
should be taken from the gun position, and a line showing its direc-
tion drawn through the gun position on the map.
On the map by means of a protractor measure the angle included
between lines joining the target and the gun, and the reference
object and the gun. (See fig. 2.) If the target to be engaged is a
linear one, measure the angles included between lines joining its
limits to the gun and the target to the gim,
101862 е—17----5
66
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
11.	To lay for direction by means of a post and compass.
To lay out an aiming post, drive in a stick (not more than 6 inches
high) at the gun position, and place a compass on top. Rotate the
compass till the dial indicates the required magnetic bearing found
as directed in paragraph 9. Dress a post on this bearing, using the
hair line on the compass glass. Replace the gun and tripod on the
first stick and lay on the post put out.
12.	To lay for direction by means of reference object and direction dial.
The gun is laid on any convenient part of the reference object
with the sights set for any convenient range; it need not be leveled.
The elevation required to hit the target should not be placed on the
gun till the latter is directed on the target. The direction dial
should now be set to read zero (or the reading noted if the dial can
not be rotated). The gun is then swung right or left through the
angle found as directed in paragraph 10, according as the reference
Fi<r. 3.
Тфг&еГ
P.O.	Gun
ooject is to the left or right of the target. The gun can be directed
to either end of a linear target simply by swinging through the angles
found as directed in paragraph 10. (See fig. 3.)
13.	To maintain elevation by means of an auxiliary aiming mark
and the tangent sight.
Once the gun has been laid the sights only may be adjusted so as
to bring a line of sight onto any suitable natural or artificial auxiliary
aiming mark, e. g., a night firing-box, white or luminous stone,
chimney, post, etc. The range shown on the tangent sight after
such adjustment will have no connection with the quadrant eleva-
tion on the gun, unless the elevation has been put on by the method
given in paragraph 7, and the same auxiliary aiming mark is used
to maintain it.
The distance between the gun and the auxiliary aiming mark is
immaterial when maintaining elevation, and in this respect differs
from the minimum distance laid down in paragraph 7 when putting
on elevation.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	07
14.	To maintain elevation by the elevation dial.
Between bursts of fire the firer should make sure that the pointer
continues to show the same quadrant elevation on the dial as was
originally put on the gun. If this method is to be reliable, it is
essential that the legs of the tripod should not sink unevenly into
the ground; the tripod must, therefore, be placed on a firm foun-
dation.
It is desirable, where possible, to use an auxiliary aiming mark
in addition, but if this is not possible the spirit level should be
placed on the gun at frequent intervals, and the procedure laid
down in paragraph 6 for putting on elevation repeated. It should
be noted that unless the socket is absolutely upright the quadrant
elevation may vary considerably if the gun is traversed through a
wide arc, though the reading of the elevation dial will not alter.
15.	To maintain direction by means of an auxiliary aiming mark.
(See par. 13 above.)
16.	To maintain direction by means of the direction dial.
The gun having been laid for direction, the reading of the direc-
tion dial is noted. Direction can be maintained during firing by
insuring that the pointer is set accurately to this reading.
17.	In all cases where the target is invisible, owing to the presence
of an obstacle, steps must be taken before firing to insure that the
shots will clear the obstacle. The procedure is as follows:
(a) After the gun has been given the quadrant elevation neces-
sary to hit the target, the tangent sight will be adjusted for the range
to the top of the obstacle. If on looking along the sights the obstacle
is not visible, the shots will clear. If, however, the obstacle is
visible, the shots will not clear, and the gun must be moved farther
back.
(5) If the range to the obstacle is under 100 yards, the method
given above will not apply, and the No. 1 must look through the
barrel, either directly or by using the mirror reflector.
(c) Should the obstacle be invisible from the gun position, recourse
must be had to the formula given in section 30, paragraph 4 (Z).
The clearance required will be one-half of the height of the 90 per
cent cone at the range of the obstacle. In using the formula given
in section 30, paragraph 4 (Z), for “our own troops” read “the obstar
cle’1 throughout.
29. Night firing.
1. If the gun position is not exposed to the enemy’s fire or to
direct observation, the gun can be mounted and laid by day and
left until night.
68
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
Some kind of auxiliary aiming mark must be in position in front
of the gun for the purpose of maintaining elevation and direction
after nightfall. (See sec. 28.)
This auxiliary aiming mark can be a transparent screen secured
to the open side of a box containing some form of illuminant. (See
fig. 1.) The screen is marked with lines to permit of searching and
traversing within definite limits. The horizontal lines are 1 inch
apart, which will give a difference in angle of 10 minutes from the
center line if the screen is placed 10 yards from the gun. The amount
that 10 minutes represents in range can be readily ascertained from
the tables showing the angles of elevation for the gun. (Appendix
A, Table 1.) The vertical lines are 2J inches apart, which will give
a deflection of about 2 feet per 100 yards of range when the screen
is placed 10 yards from the gun.
Bands
А, В, C, D, F
are J inch
wide.
2. When the gun position is exposed, or the gun is required else-
where during the day, it will sometimes be possible for arrange-
ments to be made by day so that the gun and tripod can be brought
up under cover of darkness and placed in position to open fire when
required. (See sec. 28.)
The direction and elevation dials should be employed; and a
luminous reference object should be laid out in any convenient
position, where it is invisible to the enemy, for obtaining the direc-
tion to any target, correct elevation being put on by the elevation
dial.
As the rear leg of the tripod may sink during firing, elevation
can not be maintained by means of the elevation dial, which is a
component part of the mounting. One or more luminous auxiliary
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	69
aiming marks should therefore be laid out by the method given in
section 28, paragraph 8.
80.	Indirect overhead fire.
1.	In trench warfare, where the positions of our own and the
enemy’s units are clearly marked, indirect fire over the heads of
our own troops may often be safely employed.
2.	The best results will be secured when observation of the strike
of the bullets can be obtained. The element of chance, due to errors
in ranging, climatic conditions, errors as to the exact position of
the gun, etc., will thus be removed.
3.	Fire may be directed on the hostile support or reserve lines,
communication trenches, cooking places, ration parties, reverse
slopes of hills, roads, etc. When observation is not possible, the
most that can be done is to sweep an area of ground, in which is
included the target it is desired to engage. (See sec. 31.)
4.	To insure the safety of our own troops the following rules must
at all times be strictly adhered to:
(a)	The guns must never be more than 2,000 yards distant from
bodies of our own troops, over whom they are firing.
(6)	When the guns are 1,000 yards or under from our own troops,
the range at which they are fired must be such as to insure the center
of the cone of fire passing at least 20 yards over their heads. (See
trajectory table, Appendix A.) When the guns are between 1,000
yards and 1,500 yards from our own troops this height must be at least
40 yards; between 1,500 and 2,000 yards it must be at least 80 yards.
(c)	When, the gun, friendly troops, and target are all on the same
plane (not necessarily the same horizontal plane), rules (a) and (6)
^ve the following results:
(i) No target may be engaged at a range of less than 1,500 yards.
(ii) Range to target (in yards):	L“ndly
1,500 ................................. 700	to 1,000 from	gun.
1,600 ................................. 500	to 1,000 from	gun.
1,700 ................................. 500	to 1,000 from	gun.
1,800 ................................. 400	to 1,200 from	gun.
1,900 ................................. 400	to 1,500 from	gun.
2,000 ................................. 300	to 1,500 from	gun.
2,100 ................................. 300	to 1,500 from	gun.
2,200 ................................. 300	to 1,500 from	gun.
2,300 ................................. 200	to 1,800 from	gun.
2,400 and over......................... 200	to 2,000 from	gun.
70	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
(d) Climatic conditions must be carefully studied (see Musketry
Regulations, sec. 29).
(e) The laying must be checked frequently, both for direction and
elevation, upon the auxiliary aiming mark.
(/) The necessity for good holding must be impressed on the firer.
(p) As a slight sinking of the tripod during firing may seriously
affect the safety of our own troops, owing to the altered angle of ele-
vation, every precaution must be taken to prevent this happening.
The legs of the tripod should be firmly imbedded in the ground, and
provision made to prevent them moving from their original position,
but the use of an auxiliary aiming mark largely minimizes the effect
of slight movements of the tripod.
(h) When “traversing” or “searching” is used, provision must be
made by means of wooden battens, etc., to fix safe limits beyond
which the gun can not be moved.
(г) A worn barrel should not be used, and the barrel should be
cleaned after every 1,000 rounds continuous fire.
(j) All calculations must be carefully checked by an officer before
fire is opened.
(k) Troops over whom fire is to be opened must be cautioned, and
a certificate to this effect signed by the machine gun company com-
mander.
(Z) In order to find the clearance, i. e., the height from the ground
to the center of the cone at any point in the line of fire, the following
is the simplest and most accurate method, which should be used:
(i)	Let gun contour...................................=A	yards.
Let own troops contour............................ =B	yards.
Let center of cone above or below horizontal
plane through gun position when passing over
own troops’ heads................................. =C	yards.
+
Then clearance (yards) =A—BorC.
C must be added or subtracted according as the trajectory to our
own troops position is above or below the horizontal plane through
the gun position.
(ii)	From the sketch the clearance is XZ.
Then A—B=ZY and XY is the height of trajectory either above
or below the horizontal plane through the gun position.
+ +
Obviously clearance=XZ=ZY or XY=A—В or C.
(iii)	In order to find C, either Table 2a or Table 2b must be used
according as to whether the quadrant angle on the gun is positive
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
71
or negative. On these tables, the words “positive” and “negative”
are printed. If the trajectory height found is positive, C must be
added to A—В; if negative, it must be subtracted from A—B.
(iv)	If the quadrant angle on the gun is positive, the range cor-
responding must be found from Table 1 in order to use Table 2(a).
If the quadrant angle is negative it will be used directly in Table
2(b) without conversion.
(v)	The following three examples illustrate the method and deal
with three typical cases. (See sketch above.)
Case I.—Quadrant angle is positive and sufficiently large to
throw the center of cone above the horizontal plane when passing
over own troops’ heads.
Example. Gun contour (A)=70 yards.
Own troops contour (B)=20 yards.
Q.E.=+86 minutes. Range corresponding=l,200 yards.
Assumed range to own troops 900 yards.
From Table 2(a) trajectory height for 1,200 yards at 900 yards
=9 yards (positive)=C.
Clearance=A—В+C.
=70—20+9=59 yards.
Clearance required=20 yards. It is safe to fire.
Case II.—Quadrant angle is positive but small so that the center
of cone is below the horizontal plane when passing over own troops’
heads.
Example. A and В as above.
Q.E. =+35 minutes. Range corresponding=700 yards.
Assumed range to own troops 900 yards.
From Table 2 (a) trajetory height for 700 yards at 900
yards=4.5 yards (negative)=C.
Clearance=A—В—C.
=70 — 20 —5 (say)=45 yards.
Clearance required=20 yards. It is safe to fire.
72	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
Case III.—Quadrant angle is negative.
Example. A and В as above.
Q. E.= —75 minutes.
Assumed range to own troops 900 yards.
From Table 2b trajectory height for—75 minutes at 900
yards=33.2 yards (negative)=C.
Clearance=A—В—C.
=70—20—33 (say)=17 yards.
Clearance required=20 yards. It is not safe to fire.
(vi)	In Appendix В is given a copy of the “indirect overhead fire ”
sheet which should be used on service. Certain specimen examples
have been filled in on it, for the purpose of bringing out various
points.
5.	Elevation and direction may be obtained, put on the gun, and
maintained by any of the methods described in section 28. The
dials are particularly suitable for this type of fire.
81.	Searching reverse slopes.
1.	It may sometimes be desired to search the reverse slope of a
hill occupied by the enemy, where he is under shelter from short-
range fire.
2.	Reverse slopes are often chosen by the enemy as suitable
areas where troops may be disposed preparatory to attack, or may
maneuver free from observation. It is therefore necessary to know
how such ground may be brought, most effectively, under machine-
gun fire. Table 7 enables the machine-gun officer to search the
reverse slope of a hill, and is constructed on the following basis:
3.	If a gun is placed at such a distance from the crest that the cone,
just passing over it, will fall at a steeper angle than the slope of the
ground on the other side of the hill, then fire effect will be brought
to bear on the reverse slope. No endeavor has been made to fit the
trajectory exactly to the reverse slope, as the difficulties and variables
in the problem are so many, that small errors would upset the results.
Traversing and searching should be employed, for the same reasons
as govern all forms of indirect fire.
4.	Table 7.—This table is-so constructed that when the gun is
placed as required by its use, and fire suitably directed at the reverse
slope, the bullets will fall on it at an angle of somewhere between
100 and 200 minutes to the slope itself.
The table is divided into two parts, “Gun above crest” and
“Gun below crest.”
The table is used as follows:
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
78
(a	) On the map, draw a line from the crest, which will be the
probable line of fire.
(b	) From the map, determine the drop in yards in 100 yards,
measured from the crest down the slope.
(c	) Making use of the two top horizontal columns, note the distance
to measure back, which will vary according as the spot thus found is
above or below the crest. (See center column.)
(cZ) From map note the difference in height between this spot
and the crest, above or below as the case may be. Run down the
center column till this height is found.
(e	) Then look along horizontally, when the final range from the
crest will be found in the vertical column under the drop in yards
found in (6).
(/) Place the gun at this point, and lay on the crest by any suitable
means.
Note.—If it is found that the gun position is on the same level
as the crest two answers will be given, i. e., one in portion of “Gun
above crest, ” one in portion “Gun below crest, ” both opposite the
zero mark. Select the most suitable.
Chapter VI.
MACHINE GUNS IN BATTLE.
82.	Introductory.
1.	The general principles laid down in Infantry Training, Chapter
XV, for the employment of machine guns in battle remain unaltered
by the introduction of the machine-gun company organization and
the substitution of Lewis gun detachments for machine-gun sections
in battalions. But the new organization and the increase in the
number of machine guns with infantry units have rendered neces-
sary certain modifications in detail which are discussed in the
present chapter. A certain amount of repetition and rearrangement
of matter that is already dealt with in Infantry Training has been
found necessary in order to avoid too frequent reference to para-
graphs or sentences in that manual.
2.	The special characteristics of Lewis guns and the manner in
which these characteristics affect their employment must be studied
by machine-gun officers, as they have to cooperate closely with
Lewis guns. These characteristics, therefore, are discussed in
74	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
sections 33 and 34.1	Detailed instructions for Lewis guns are given
in Lewis Gun Training.2
3.	The special principles which govern the employment of
machine guns in the phase of operations known as trench warfare
are dealt with in Notes for Infantry Officers on Trench Warfare.
4.	It must be remembered that in Infantry Training a machine-
gun section means two guns, whereas under the present organization
it means two subsections each of two guns, or four in all.
33.	Characteristics of machine guns and Lewis guns compared.
1.	The principal characteristic of the machine gun is its ability
to produce rapid and sustained fire. Provided water and ammunition
are available, a machine gun is capable of keeping up a rapid fire
for a very considerable period.
On the other hand, the Lewis gun, though capable of extremely
rapid fire, is incapable of sustaining this fire for long. This necessi-
tates, therefore, the use of short bursts of fire as the normal practice.
Its inability to sustain fire is primarily due to the fact that a water
jacket is not provided (in order to economize weight) and the gun
consequently becomes hot very quickly. Further, owing to their
lightness, the working parts will not stand constant vibration to
the same extent as those of the machine gun.
2.	A further difference between the two weapons is in the type of
mounting used. The machine gun is provided with a heavy tripod
which enables the gun 1Ю be used for overhead and indirect fire.
This mounting also allows of the gun being laid on a fixed point, and
fired at any time, by day or night, without further preparation. By
this means it is possible to form “bands of fire” through which any
enemy attempting to pass must suffer heavy loss.
The Lewis gun is fired from the shoulder, a light bipod providing
a support for the barrel; there is no traversing or elevating gear; and
aim is taken and altered as when using a rifle, the conditions are,
therefore, not suitable for overhead or indirect fire, nor for creating
“bands of fire.”
3.	The machine gun, owing to its weight, and that of its mounting,
is less mobile than the Lewis gun. The latter being specially pro-
vided with a light bipod to increase its mobility, can be carried like
a rifle, and fired with very little preliminary preparation, so that
1 Infantry battalions are provided with Lewis guns organized in Lewis gun detach-
ments of 1 noncommissioned officer and 12 men each, with 2 Lewis guns.
’ To be issued shortly.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
75
after movement its fire can be brought to bear on any object much
more rapidly than that of a machine gun.
34.	The employment of Lewie guns.
1.	Owing to its greater mobility a much greater liberty of action
can be allowed to this weapon than to the machine gun. It must,
however, be clearly understood that the Lewis gun can not take the
place of the machine gun. It is a supplement to and not a substitute
for the latter type of weapon.
2.	It is adapted for even closer cooperation with infantry than the
machine gun, as the Lewis gunner can move and appear to the
enemy as an ordinary rifleman. Its distribution as a battalion and
company weapon provides a mobile reserve of fire available for the
smallest unit commander wherever an infantry soldier can go.
3.	It is specially adapted for a concentrated enfilade fire on a
definite line such as a hedge or wall, or to cover a road or defile where
it is not possible to deploy a number of rifles, and for places where
it is difficult or impossible to bring up a machine gun unobserved.
When wider fronts have to be swept with fire or heavier fire is re-
quired at longer ranges machine guns can be more usefully employed.
4.	Although the expenditure of ammunition is not so great as with
machine guns, the difficulty of getting ammunition up to the more
exposed positions to which Lewis guns can go will be much greater.
It is important, therefore, to withhold fire as long as possible and to
use the power of the gun to develop unexpected bursts of fire against
favorable targets.
35.	The tactical handling of infantry machine guns.
1.	The tactical principles laid down in Infantry Training, sec-
tions 160, 161, and 162, apply generally, but the organization and
distribution of the machine guns with a brigade there discussed need
modification to suit the new organization and distribution of machine
guns.
2.	The introduction of the machine-gun company organization,
while facilitating the collective employment of machine guns, does
not mean that they should always be so employed. It may some-
times be advisable to detach machine guns under the orders of
battalion commanders and this should be done if the tactical situ-
ation requires it. (See sec. 36 (2) (3).). In this case the battalion
commander concerned should clearly understand the reasons why
the guns are attached to him. Definite instructions should be given
76	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
by the battalion commander to the machine-gun officer as to what is
required of him, but the latter should be allowed as much freedom
as possible in the execution of his task.
3.	Command and control.—The various tasks which the machine-
gun company has to carry out demand the most careful preparation
and organization on the part of the company commander.
He must insure that all section commanders fully understand the
part they have to play, and he must be always on the watch to regain
control, at the earliest possible moment, of any guns temporarily
detached, in order to provide a reserve for his brigade commander.
During action the machine-gun company commander will keep
in the closest possible touch with the brigade commander, and it is
important that section officers should keep in close touch with the
commanders of units to which they may be attached and under
whose command they come. Machine-gun officers must carefully
observe this principle in order to avoid dual control and consequent
misunderstanding.
It is unsafe to rely on telephones, especially in open fighting.
Steps must, therefore, be taken to maintain communication by visual
signaling and by orderlies.
4.	Cooperation.—Cooperation is an essential feature in machine-
gun tactics, both between the machine guns and other arms and
between the guns themselves.
Grouping machine guns into companies by centralizing control
facilitates the execution of a comprehensive scheme of machine-gun
cooperation in accordance with the needs of the tactical situation.
When this is to be effected the machine-gun company commander
must be thoroughly conversant with the situation. He should take
every step to insure cooperation, not only between the guns of his
company, but between his company and machine guns on the flanks.
5.	Concealment.—
(a)	During movement.—To insure concealment when on the move
machine gunners should try to disguise their identity as such by
adopting the formation of the neighboring troops. This, and any
other means of escaping detection, should be constantly practised.
When machine guns are moving, they should watch and avoid
areas that are being swept by shell fire.
(6)	When in position:
(i)	As few men as possible should be near the gun. It will usually
be found that two men are quite sufficient.
(ii)	When time, implements, etc., are available, guns should be
dug in, but, unless it is possible to construct a really satisfactory em-
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	77
placement, it is better to seek cover from view. A hastily made
emplacement will merely serve to draw the attention of the enemy.
(iii)	Masks and gloves will often facilitate concealment, especially
when facing strong sunlight.
Every effort must be made to prevent machine guns being located
by artillery. If, however, machine guns are shelled, their action
will largely depend on the tactical situation. They may make a
change in position of about 50 yards or they may temporarily cease
fire, the guns and detachment getting under cover; the latter will
often deceive the enemy into thinking that they have been destroyed
and enable the guns to obtain a good target later. A careful distri-
bution of the gun numbers will minimize casualties.
86.	Machine guns in the attack.
1.	In order to obtain the best results, the machine-gun company
commander must be thoroughly acquainted with the plan of opera-
tions and must make a careful reconnaissance of the ground.
By use of maps and study of the ground through a telescope from
positions in rear or on the flanks, he should endeavor to make him-
self familiar with the nature of the ground, the correct use of which
may prove of decisive value. (See Infantry Training, sec. 161.)
Having made his reconnaissance, and having received instructions
from the brigade commander (Infantry Training, sec. 160 (13)), the
machine-gun company commander will give definite orders to his
section officers.
2.	Distribution of machine guns in the attack.—The machine-gun
company commander may divide the guns under his command into
groups, some to go forward with the Infantry, some to cover their
advance, others as a reserve.
3.	The machine guns that go forward with the attacking Infantry
will be placed under the control of the Infantry commander to
whom they are attached. (See Infantry Training, sec. 160 (13).)
The role of these guns will be to—
(a)	Assist the Infantry in obtaining superiority of fire.
(6)	Make good the positions won.
(c)	Pursue the enemy with fire.
(d)	Cover reorganization of the Infantry.
(e)	Repel counterattack.
(/) Cover retirement in the event of the attack proving
unsuccessful.
The number of guns to be sent with the Infantry will be governed
by two factors, viz, the length of front and the nature of the ground.
78
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
The time of lheir advance will be determined by the nature of the
ground and progress of the Infantry. The progress of the Infantry
must be carefully watched so that the guns may be brought forward
at the earliest possible moment. They should very rarely advance
with the leading line of Infantry. This is the duty of the Lewis
guns, the fire of which should suffice to hold the position won until
it can finally be consolidated by the machine guns.
4.	The guns detailed to cover the advance of the Infantry will
normally be under the control of the machine-gun company com-
mander, who acts under the instructions of the brigade commander.
The role of these guns will be to provide covering fire for the Infantry
up to the last possible moment in the following ways:
(a)	By fire from the flanks or through gaps in the line.
(b)	By overhead fire.
(c)	By indirect fire.
Great care must be exercised in (6) and (c) in order to avoid
endangering our own troops.
Orders to the machine guns detailed for this task may, if necessary,
include general instructions to govern their action, after the task has
been completed, pending receipt of further orders from the machine-
gun company commander. It must, however, be remembered that
it is usually dangerous to prescribe to a subordinate at a distance
anything that he should be better able to decide on the spot, with a
fuller knowledge of local conditions, for any attempt to do so may
cramp his initiative in dealing with unforeseen developments. (See
F.R.S., Part I, sec. 12, par. 2.)
5.	Guns kept as a reserve will be under the control of the machine-
gun company commander, acting under the instructions of the
brigade commander. Owing to their characteristics, machine guns
are valuable as a reserve of fire power, and when kept in reserve in
the hands of the brigade commander may prove of the utmost value
at the critical moment. It must be remembered, however, that a
great development of fire power is most useful in the opening stages
of an attack, to cover the advance of the infantry, and it is a mistake
to keep guns in reserve if they can be usefully employed in sup-
porting the advance. These guns may be used for long range
searching fire on ground behind the enemy’s line, which is likely to
hold supports or reserves, but must be available to move forward at
once, when required.
6.	The great fire power of machine guns relative to the space
they occupy, the rapidity with which they may be brought into or
out of action and the ease with which they can change the direction
MACHINE. GUN NOTES NO. 1.
79
of their fire render them especially suitable for the protection of
threatened flanks and for filling gaps which may appear laterally
or in depth. Any of the guns mentioned in the previous paragraphs
may at times be employed in this manner.
7.	During an attack it may be advisable to continue to hold cer-
tain tactical points, which have been captured, until the attacking
troops have made good their next objective. The characteristics
of machine guns fit them for this duty; their use will avoid dimin-
ishing the strength and dash of the attacking infantry.
8.	Limbers and ammunition reserve.—Gun limbers will generally
remain.under the orders of section or subsection officers, but ammu-
nition limbers would, as a rule, be placed under the officer in charge
of the brigade ammunition reserve (Infantry Training, sec. 166 (2)),
or under a machine-gun officer, who should keep thoroughly in
touch with the progress of the machine guns so that he may be able
to keep the wagons as close up as possible.
When machine guns are attached to battalions, a proportion of
ammunition limbers will accompany them if required.
It must be remembered that ammunition limbers are far less
mobile than gun limbers.
87.	Machine guns in the defense.
1.	When it has been decided to consolidate a position for defense
a reconnaissance should be carried out, the machine guns being
generally allotted on the following principles.
2.	Some guns should be posted as soon as possible in accordance
with the nature of the ground to form a complete belt of flanking
machine-gun fire along the front of the position. Important con-
cealed approaches and folds in the ground should also be covered
by machine guns.
Cooperation must be arranged with the Lewis guns of battalions,
which can cover the less important approaches or small depressions
or hollows which the machine guns can not sweep.
3.	A proportion of machine guns should be kept in reserve.
When the ground is suitable, these may be used for indirect over-
head fire if the results are likely to justify the expenditure of ammu-
nition, and the readiness of the guns to take up other tasks is not
impaired. It will often be found advisable to prepare machine-gun
emplacements at important tactical points in rear of the front line
and to detail guns for their occupation, if necessary. Preparation
in this respect will facilitate a rapid readjustment of the line at any
point.
80	MACHINE GTTN NOTES NO. 1.
4.	Secondary positions and lines of retirement must be recon-
noitered, and steps must be taken to insure that the detachments
are familiar with them. In case of a withdrawal becoming necessary,
machine guns in supporting positions will cover the retirement of
the Infantry and guns in the front line. When the latter have
occupied their secondary positions, they, in their turn, will cover
the movement of the guns originally in support.
5.	Arrangements for firing at night should be made. The day
and night gun positions will probably be different; the change from
the one to the other should be made just after dark and just before
dawn.
6.	Communication must carefully be arranged throughout
machine-gun sections. Machine-gun officers must keep in touch
with battalion commanders and the machine-gun company com-
mander. (See sec. 35, par. 3.)
7.	The following points should also be noted:
(a)	The position of the ammunition limber should be determined
and the arrangements for ammunition supply made known to all
concerned.
(6)	Range cards should be made for each gun.
8.	The variations that arise during the protracted defense of a
position are dealt with in Notes for Infantry Officers on Trench
Warfare.
88.	Machine guns with an advanced guard.
1.	The functions of an advanced guard make it necessary that
great fire power should be available when required. A large pro-
portion of machine guns should therefore be allotted to advanced
guards.
These machine guns should move well forward in the column, so
that they may be able to get quickly into action.
2.	The principal duties of machine guns with the advanced guard
are to—
(a)	Assist in driving back enemy forces by rapid production of
great fire power at any required point;
(6)	Assist in holding any position gained until the arrival of the
Infantry;
(c)	Cover the deployment of the main body by holding the enemy
on a wide front.
3.	The characteristics of machine guns render them as a rule more
suitable for employment with the main guard than with the van-
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
81
guard, but the size of the vanguard may necessitate machine guns
being attached to it.
89.	Machine guns with a rear guard.
1.	As rear guards will usually be required to hold positions with
the minimum of men, a large proportion of machine guns should be
allotted to them.
2.	Experience has shown that well-placed machine guns, sup-
ported by a few Infantry only, will frequently hold* up an advance
for long periods.
3.	In occupying a rear guard position with machine guns the
ordinary principles of defense apply, but the following points should
be specially noted:
(a) As wide a field of fire as possible should be selected.
(&) Guns must be concealed in the least obvious places.
(c)	Covered lines of retirement must be reconnoitered.
(d)	Gun limbers should be close up to facilitate a hasty retire-
ment.
(e)	Positions in rear must be chosen before the machine guns
retire from their forward positions.
(/) A proportion of the machine guns should occupy the positions
in rear before all the machine guns retire from the forward position.
Thus the retirement of the last gun can be covered.
(p) Pack transport is very useful.
40.	Village fighting.
1.	As soon as the infantry have made good one edge of a village,
machine guns should be brought up in close support. They should
then search windows, doorways, roofs, etc., likely to be held by the
enemy.
2.	Machine guns should be used to command cross streets, etc., so
as to guard against attack on the flanks or rear of the infantry. They
should also be posted on the edges of the villages to prevent flank
attacks, and when possible should be pushed forward well on the
flanks, so as to command the exits from the village.
3.	During village fighting use may be made of windows, doors, etc.,
as machine-gun positions. If a good field of fire can not be obtained
from existing doors and windows, and time is available, small holes
can be made in the outside walls of the upper stories of buildings,
enabling a good field of fire to be obtained.
101862°—17------e
82
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
41.	Occupation of various positions.
1.	Machine guns may be hidden in almost any position, but it is
advisable to avoid places which are either obvious or easy to recog-
nize, such as cross roads or single objects, or places which can easily
be located on the map. It is important that guns should merge into
the surroundings, and straight edges or distinct shadows should not
be made.
2.	Banks of rivers, canals, and railways, ditches, folds in the ground,
hedges, palings or walls, also mounds of earth, may be used either to
afford a covered line of approach and supply to a gun position or
else a gun position itself. When firing over the top of the cover,
greater protection is given if hollows are scooped out for the front
tripod legs. (Pls. XII to XIV.)
3.	Houses may be employed in the following ways:
The gun may be placed in rear, firing through windows or doors
in line or past the sides of the house. When firing from a window,
door, or hole in the roof, the gun should be placed well back for
concealment. (Pl. XVI.) A damp piece of cloth hung in front of
the gun helps to conceal the flash. When firing from a cellar, care
should be taken not to cause a cloud of dust to rise and give away
the position. A means of retirement and alternative emplacements
should be arranged. Overhead fire and observation may often be
obtained from high buildings.
4.	Woods and crops provide cover from view, facilities for com-
munication, and good lines of approach or supply. In neither case
should guns be placed too near to the front edge. In woods it will
often be possible to construct hasty overhead cover.
5.	If a barricade has been constructed across a road, machine
guns should not be put on the barricade itself but, if possible, in a
concealed position to a flank from which they can sweep the road.
6.	Haystacks do not as a rule afford a very satisfactory position,
but guns may be placed in a hollow in front, or behind, firing past
the side, or else in a hollow on top, firing through the front face of
the stack. A machine gun concealed in a field which is covered
with cornstalks, manure heaps, or mounds of roots is very hard to
locate. (Pl. XV.)
7.	Wood stacks, planks, logs of trees, and farm implements may
be used to conceal guns; cover from fire can often be obtained by
the addition of bricks or sandbags. (Pl. XV.)
8.	Trees generally provide better observation posts than machine-
gun positions.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	88
42.	Signals.
In many cases observation will be impossible from the gun posi-
tion, and it will be necessary for observers to signal results from a
flank. The following semaphore code is used in signaling the
results of observation of fire:
О =Fire observed over.
S =Fire observed short.
R =Fire observed to right of target.
L =Fire observed to left of target.
K=Fire observed correct (target or range).
W=Fire unobserved or “Washout. ”
Appendix A.
Table I.—Tangent elevation, angles of descent, dimensions of cones and zones, etc., .303 Vickers gun, Mark VII
ammunition.
	1	2	3		4	5				6	
		Angle of tangent eleva- tion, minutes.	Slope of descent.		Height in yards of lowest shot be- low crest	Dimensions in yards of horizontal beaten zones.				Dimensions of cones in yards.	
	Range, yards.		In	Asa		Width.		Length.		Width.	Height.
			minutes.	gradient.	of cone.	75 p.c.	90 p.C.	75 p.c.	90 p.c.	75 p.c.	75 p.c.
100			3									
200			7			.7	.3				.3	
300			11			1.0	• 5				.5	
400			16	15	One in 230	1.3	.7				.7	
500			22	23	One in 149	1.7	.8	2.3	220	700	.8	1.5
600			28	32	One in 107	2.0	1.0	2.8	204	600	1.0	1.9
700			35	42	One in 82	2.3	1.2	3.3	188	525	1.2	2.3
800			43	54	One in 64	2.7	1.3	3.8	172	450	1.3	2.7
900			52	69	One in 50	3.0	1.5	4.3	156	375	1.5	3.1
1 обо 			62	88	One in 39	3.3	1.7	5.0	140	300	1.7	3.6
1 100			73	111	One in 31	4.0	2.0	6.0	126	270	2.0	4.1
1 200			86	139	One in 25	4.7	2.3	7.0	112	240	2.3	4.5
1 300			101	172	One in 20	5.3	2.7	8.0	98	210	2.7	4.9
1,400			117	209	One in 16	6.0	3.0	9.0	84	180	3.0	5.2
1,500			135	251	One in 14	6.7	3.3	10.0	75	160	3.3	5.4
1,600			155	298	One in 12	7.3	4.0	11.3	70	150	4.0	5.8
1 700			177	350	One in 9.8	8.0	4.7	12.7	70	145	4.7	7.2
1 800 			201	407	One in 8.5	8.7	5.3	14.0	70	140	5.3	8.3
1,900			227	469	One in 7.3	9.3	6.0	15.3	70	135	6.0	9.6
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO.
2,200
2,300
100—2Я
200----3
300----4
400.---4
oooS-ijl
7O0----1
800----4
2OO.---4
1,000-
iAOO-^J
1/юо7771
1,300--J
1,400---5ч
1,500---!
1,600--^
1,700-—J
i,soo.--i
1,900-- I
2,000—-J
2,100--3
2,200-- -qJ
2,300---*
2,400.-
2,500---s
2,600- - - -
2,700---;
2,800-^
X- S---r
к 7
. 0
7
ГГ|
О
24.0
50.7
79.7
111
147
185
16.7
O
27.3
58.0
91.0
128
168
20.0
О
31.7
66.3
105
146
25.0
2,400
2,600
О
35.3
75.7
119
О
41.7
86.0
2,700
2,800
O' ......
46.3 I O'
30.0 I 35.0 |	41.7
it at 900 yards from the gun is 39 — 3 = 36 yards above the line of
BOVE ZERO LINE.
the ОГ^Ц? e height in yards of the center of the cone below a horizontal nlane
elearano*
Lble the range is not the range to the target, but is the quadrant
nn 2,
ice of 1,200 yards from the gun the center of the cone is 15 yards
horizontal P^ane passing through the gun position add the figure
above tdjj at 1доо yards from the gun is 30 plus 6 = 36 yards below the hori-
— 2- 'Г*
bei&bt of
¥i¥i¥§¥¥§
256
288
541
322
360
401
447
496
551
610
623
715
817
929
1,052
1,186
1,332
1,491
One in 6.4
One in 5.5
One in 4.8
One in 4.2
One in 3.7
One in 3.3
One in 2.9
One in 2.6
One in 2.3
6.7
8.0
9.3
10.7
12.0
13.3
16.7
20.0
23.3
70
74
78
82
86
90
100
110
120
130
140
150
160
170
180
190
200
210
6.7
8.0
9.3
10.7
12.0
13.3
16.7
10.9
13.4
16.2
19.5
23.2
27.2
34.5
42.3
52.1
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO.
Table 2 (В).—Trajectory table for negative quadrant angles, .303 Vickers gun, Mark VII ammunition.
Distance of point from gun, in yards.
mins.	500	600	700	800	900	1,000	1,100	1,200	1,300	1,400	1,500	1,600	1,700	1,800	1,900	2,000
- 5	0.7	0.9	1.0	1.2	1.3	1.4	1.6	1.7	1.9	2.0	2.1	2.3	2.5	2.6	2.7	2.9
- 0	3.2	4.8	7.1	10.0	13.6	18.0'	23.7	30.4	38.2	47.5	58.7	72.1	87.5	105	125	149
- 25	6.8	9.2	12.2	15.8	20.2	25.3	31.7	39.1	47.6	57.6	69.7	83.7	99.6	118	139	163
- 50	10.4	13.6	17.3	21.6	26.7	32.6	39.7	47.8	57.1	67.8	80.6	95.5	112	131	153	178
- 75	14.1	17.9	22.4	27.4	33.2	39.8	47.8	56.5	66.6	78.0	91.6	107	124	144	167	192
-100	17.7	22.3	27.6	33.2	39.8	47.2	55.6	65.4	76.0	88.4	102	119	137	158	180	207
-125	21.3	26. 8	32.7	38.0	46.4	54.5	63.6	74.0	85.5	98.5	113	130	149	171	194	221
-150	24.9	31.1	37.8	44.7	52.9	61.6	71.6	82.8	95.0	109	124	142	162	184	208	236
-175	28.5	35.4	42.9	50.5	59.5	68.9	79.6	91.5	104	119	135	154	174	197	222	250
-200	32.2	39. 7	47.8	56.4	66.1	76.1	87.6	100'	114	129	146	164	186	210	236	265
-225	35.6	44.1	52.9	62.2	72.7	83.4	95. 6	109	123	139	157	177	199	223	250	279
-250	39.5	48.4	58.2	68.0	79.0	9<L7	 Ж	-^18 .	J	Д49,	__168	188	211	236	264	294
-275	42.8	52.8	63.3	73.8	85.6		E	Lj A	Г I	у	T179	200	224	249	287	308
-300	46.8	57.1	68.4	79.6	92.1	105	120	ЛзР		169 J	Л90	211	236	262	301	323
—325	50.0	61.5	73.2	85.4	98.6	113	128	144	161	180	201	223	248	275	325	
-350	54.1	65.8	78.3	91.2	105	120	136	152	171	190	212	235	261	288		
-375	57.2	70.2	83.4	97.0	112	127	144	161	180	200	223	246				
-400	61.3	74.5	88.5	103	118	134	152	170	189	210	234					
-425	65.0	78.9	93.6	109	125	142	160	179	199	220	244					
-450	68.6	83.2	98.7	115	131	149	168	189	208	230	255					
-475	72.2	87.6	104	120	138	156	176	196	218	240			........			
-500	75.9	92.1	109	126	145	163	184	205	227		1					
—525	79.5	96.5	114	132	151	170				1						
—550	83.1	101	119	138	158	178'										
																
МАСНПГВ СТЛЯГ K0TB8 KO.
Notes.
1.	This table gives at any distance from the gun the height, in yard», of the center shot of the cone below a horizontal plane passing through
the gun position.
2.	It is for use when determining clearance over our own troops’ heads in direct overhead fire. (See sec. 30, par. 4 (I).)
3.	The line Q. E.— —5 means that at 1,000 yards, for instance, each addition of 5 minutes to the Q. E. adds 1.4 yards to the height of the
trajectory.
Example.—Q. E. - —265 minutes; range —1,400 yards. Trajectory height—149 plus 2 yards for each 5 minutes added above 250.
—149+(VX2)—155.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO.
r
Table 3 (A).—The quadrant angle in minutes, knowing range and V. I., .303 Vickers gun, Mark VIIammunition.	£
V. I. in		Range to target in yards.																							
У	ards.	500	600	700	800	900	1,000	1,100	1,200	1,300	1,400	1,500	1,600	1,700	1,800	1,900	2,000	2,100	2,200	2,300	2,400	2,500	2,600	2,700	2,800
1		7	6	5	4	4	3	3	3	3	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	1	1	1	1	1	1
5			56	57	60	65	71	79	89	100	114	129	147	166	187	211	236	265	296	330	368	408	454	503	557	616
10			91	85	84	86	90	96	104	115	127	142	158	177	197	220	245	273	304	338	375	415	461	509	564	622
15			125	114	109	108	109	114	120	129	141	154	169	187	207	230	254	282	313	345	382	423	468	516	570	628
20			160	143	133	129	129	131	136	143	154	166	181	198	218	239	263	290	321	353	390	430	475	522	577	635
25			194	171	158	151	148	148	151	158	167	178	192	209	228	249	272	299	329	361	397	437	481	529	583	641
30	 35			228 263	200 229	183 207	172 194	16$ 186.	5		•g-	181 Л94		if	iF	w	BF	£	fed	&	369 377	405 412	444 451	488 495	536 542	589 596	647 653
40			297	258	232	215	205	200	19?	*201	207	215	227	241	258	278	300	325	354	385	420	458	502	549	602	659
45			332	286	256	237	224	217	214	215	220	228	238	252	268	287	309	334	362	392	427	465	509	556	608	665
50			366	315	281	258	243	234	229	229	233	240	250	263	278	297	318	342	370	400	435	473	516	562	615	672
55			400	344	305	279	262	251	245	244	247	252	261	273	288	306	327	351	378	408	442	480	523	569	621	678
60			435	372	330	301	281	268	261	258	260	265	273	284	299	316	336	359	386	416	450	487	530	576	628	684
65			469	400	354	323	300	285	276	272	273	277	284	295	309	325	345	368	394	424	457	494	537	582	634	690
70			303	429	379	344	319	303	292	287	286	289	296	306	319	335	353	376	402	432	465	501	544	589	640	696
75			538	458	403	366	338	320	307	302	300	302	307	316	329	344	362	385	411	440	472	509	550	596	646	703
80			572	486	428	387	358	337	323	317	313	314	319	327	339	354	372	394	419	448	480	516	557	603	652	709
85			606	515	452	408	377	354	339	331	327	327	330	338	349	363	381	403	427	456	487	523	564	609	659	715
90			641	544	477	429	396	371	354	346	340	339	342	348	359	373	390	411	436	464	495	530	571	616	665	721
95			675	572	502	451	415	389	370	360	353	351	353	359	369	383	399	420	444	471	502	538	577	622	671	727
100			688	602	526	472	434	406	386	375	366	363	364	370	379	392	408	429	452	479	510	545	584	629	678	733
MACHINS GUN NOTSS NO.
Notes.
1.	This table combines the angle of sight with the angle of tangent elevation, thereby producing the quadrant angle directly.
2.	It is used as follows: Range—1,900 yards. Target 55yards above gun. Quadrant elevation—327 minutes.
3.	The top line where V. I. — 1 yard is used as follows: Example I. Range—1,900, V. I. — 57 yards. The quadrant elevation for range—1,900
and V. I.—55 и 327 minutes. For each extra yard of V. I. the top line shows that 2 minutes must be added. Therefore necessary quadrant angle
is 327 plus (2X2)—331 minutes.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO.
8
Table 3 (В).—The quadrant angle in minutes, knowing range and V. I., .303 Vickers gun, Mark VII ammunition.
8
V.I.in
yards.
5..
10.
15.
20.
25.
30.
35.
40.
45.
50.
55.
60.
65.
70.
75.
80..
85.
90..
95..
100.
Range to target in yards.
500	600	700	800	900	1,000	1,1001,200		1,300	1,400	1,500	*1,600	1,700	1,800	1,900	2,000	2,100	2,200	2,300	2,400	2,5002,600		2,700	2,800
7	6	5	4	4	3	3	3	3	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	2	1	1	1	1	1	1
-12	-1	10	21	33	45	57	72	88	105	123	144	167	191	218	248	280	314	352	394	440	489	545	604 598
-47	-29		0	14	28	42	57	75	92	112	133	157	182	209	239	272	306	345	387	433	483	538	
-81	-58	-39	-Й	—5	10	26	43	61	80	101	123	147	172	200	230	263	299	338	379	426	476	532	592
-116 -150	-87 -115	-64 -88	-43 -65	” J				48' 35.		ire.			№	IE	&	@	291 283	330 323	372 365	420 413	470 463	525 519	585 579
-184	-144	-113	-86	-63	-41	-21	0	21	43	66	90	116	144	173	204	239	275	315	358	406	456	513	573
-219	-173	-137	-108	-82	-59	-37	—14	8	31	55	80	106	134	164	196	231	267	308	351	399	450	506	567
-253	-202	-162	-129	-101	-76	-52	-29		19	43	69	96	124	155	187	222	259	300	344	392	443	500	561
-288	-230	-186	-151	-120	-93	-68	-43	-18	6	32	58	86	115	146	178	214	252	293	336	385	436	494	555
-322	-259	-211	-172	-139	-110	-83	-57	-31	-6	20	47	76	105	137	170	206	244	285	329	378	430	487	548
-357	-288	-235	-193	-158	-127	-99	-72	-45	-18	9	37	66	96	128	161	198	236	278	322	371	423	481	542
-391	-316	-260	-215	-177	-144	-115	-86	-58	-31		26	55	86	119	153	189	228	260	315	364	416	474	536
-425	-344	-284	-237	-197	-161	-130	-100	-71	-43	-14	15	45	77	110	144	181	220	263	308	358	410	468	530
-460	-372	-309	-258	-216	-179	-146	-115	-84	-55	-26	5	35	67	101	136	173	212	255	301	351	403	462	524
-495	-401	-333	-280	-235	-196	-161	-129	-97	-67	-37		25	57	92	128	166	206	248	294	344	397	456	518
-529	-430	-358	-301	-254	-214	-177	-144	-111	-79	-48	-17	15	48	82	119	158	199	240	287	337	391	449	512
-563	—459	—382	-323	-273	-231	-192	-158	-124	-92	-60	-28	5	38	73	111	149	191	233	280	330	384	443	506
-598	-488	-407	-344	-292	-243	-208	-172	-137	-104	-71	-39	-h	29	64	102	141	183	225	273	323	378	436	500
-632	-517	-431	-366	-311	-265	-223	-186	-150	-117	-83	-50	-15	19	55	93	132	175	218	266	316	371	430	494
-666	-545	-456	-387	-330	-282	-239	-200	-163	-129	-94	-60	-25	10	46	85	124	167	210	259	310	365	424	488
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO.
Notes.
1.	This table combines the angle of sight with the angle of tangent elevation, thereby producing the quadrant angle directly.
2.	It is used as follows: Range—1,900 yards. Target 55 yards below gun. Quadrant elevation—128 minutes.
3.	The top line where V. I.— 1 yard is used as follows: Example I—Range—1,900 yards. Target 57 yards below gun. The quadrant angle
for range—1,900 and V. I.—55 is 128 minutes. For each extra yard of V. I. the top line shows that 2 minutes must be subtracted. Therefore
necessary quadrant angle is 128—(2X2)—124 minutes. Example II—Range—1,300 yards, V. I.—88 yards, Q. E.—8—(3X3)— —1 minute. Exam-
ple Ш—Range-1,100 yards, V. L-47 yards, Q. E.— —68—(2X3)- —74 minutes.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO.
92
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
Table 4.—Wind allowances.
The following is the usual table for rough guidance:
Yards.	Lateral allowances.					
	Mild.		Fresh.		Strong.	
500	 1,000	 1,500	 2,000		Yards. 1 3 6 12	Minutes. 5 10 15 20	Yards. И 6 12 24	Minutes. 10 20 30 40	Yards. 2 9 18 36	Minutes. 15 20 45 60
Notes.
(1)	The table is for right-angle winds; halve the allowances for oblique winds.
(ii)	The minutes of angle should be used in conjunction with a card and string in
order to obtain an auxiliary aiming mark on which to order the gunner to lay.
(iii)	When no clearly defined auxiliary mark is obtainable the lateral angular
allowance may be put on by the direction dial, if the angle is reasonably large. If not,
the following rough rule may prove of value.
(iv)	Assume the following factors: Mild, 2; fresh, 3; strong, 4; then multiply the
range by the appropriate factor, and the first figure of the answer gives the taps
required. Thus fresh wind at 1,500 yards; 1.500X3=4,500; 4 taps are necessary.
(v)	The deflection due to drift is negligible below 1,000 yards. At 1,500 yards it
is about 2 yards. Above 1,500 yards it is unknown but is certainly several yards at
extreme ranges.
N. B.—Drift is to the left.
Table 5.—Allowances for atmospheric influences.
More elevation.	Less elevation.		
Cold (40° F. or less). Strang head wind. Extreme dryness.	Heat (80° F. or more). Strong rear wind. Rain. Over 3,000 feet above sea.		
Allowances in Yards of Range.			
Range.		1 factor.	2 factors.
1,000 yards				50
1,500 yards			50	100
2,000 yards			100	150
			
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
Table 6.—Time of flight.
98
Total time of flight (in seconds).	Distance covered (in yards).
1		600
2		1,000
3		1,300
4		1,550
5		1,775
6		1,950
7		2,100
8		2,225
Total time	Distance
of flight (in	covered (in
seconds).	yards).
9		2,350
10		2,450
11		2,550
12		2,625
13		2,700
14		2,775
15		2,840
Notes.
(i) Due to the effect of light on the human eye, more elevation must be given in a
very bright light and less elevation in a very poor light.
(fl) Factors affecting elevation in opposite directions will naturally cancel out;
the result of combined factors only must be used in the allowance table.
(iii) Less elevation is required when firing up or down hill. This may be neglected
when the angle of sight to the target does not exceed 10°.
Table 7.—Searching reverse slopes. .SOS Vickers gun, Mark VII ammunition.
[All figures represent yards.]
£
1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12
1500 1600 1650 1700
1850 1850 1900 1950 2000 2000 2050 2100
Gun
above
or below
crest.
12	11	10	9	8	7	6	5	4	3	2	1
1900 1800 1700 1600 1500 1400 1400 1350 1300 1300 1300 1200
1500
1550
1550
1600
1650
1700
1400
1450
1500
1500
1550
1600
1650 1700
1650 1750
1350
1400
1450
1500
1500
1550
1600
1650
1650
1700
1750
1800
1850 __________
1850 1900 1950
1900 1950 2000
1900
1600
1600
1650
1650
1700
1700
1750 1800
1850
1850 1900
1900
2000 2050
2000
2050
2100
1650
1700
1700
1750
1750
1800
1700
1750
1750
1800
1800
1850
1850
1800
1800
1850
1850
1900
1900
1950
1850
1850
1900
1900
1950
1950
2000
1900
1900
1950
1950
1950
2000
2000
1950
1950
2000
2000
2000
2050
2050

2000
2000
2050
2050
2050
2100
2100
2150
2050
2050
2100
2100
2100
2100
2150
2150
1900
1950
1950
1950
2000
2050
2050
2100
1950
2000
2000 __________
2050 2050 2100
2050 2100 2100
2100 2100 2150
2150 2150 2150
2150 2150 2200
2000
2000 ....
2050 2050
2050
2050
2100 2150
2100 2150
2150 2200
2150 2150 2200
2150 2200
2100
2100
2100
2200 2200
2150__________
2200 2200 2250
2200 :::: z:r:
2250 2200 2250
2250 2250 2300
2250 ---------
2200 2250
2250
2300
2200
2200
2200
2250
2250
2250
2300
2300
2300
2350
2350
2200
2200
2200
2250
2250
2250
2250
2300
2300
2300
2350
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
70
80
90
100
110
120
130
140
150
160
170
180
190
200
2050
2000
2000
1950
1900
1900
1850
1800
1750
1750
1700
1650
1600
1600
1550
1500
1450
1400
1400
1350
1300
2000
1950
1950
1900
1850
1850
1800
1950
1900
1850
1850
1800
1750
1700
1850
1900
1850 1800
1800 1700
1750 1650
1700 ::::
1650 1550
1600 1450
1600
1800
1750
1650
1600
1500
1450
1400
1700
1650
1650
----4600
1600 1550
1550 1500 _ .
1450 1300
1350 1200
1300.....
1450
1400
1350
1650
1600
1550
1550
1500
1450
1400
1350
1350
1300
1550
1500
1450
1450
1400
1350
1300
1250
1400
1350
1300
1250
1200
1150
1200
1150
1100
1100
1600
1550
1450
1400
1500
1450
1350 1200
1250
1150
1400
1300
1100

1350
1150
MACHINE GTTN NOTES NO.
r-1
Remarks.
Gun
No.
Num-
ber of
rounds
fired.
Checked
by-
General.
1	Di	56 j	500
____*	_i______
2	Bl	24	750
Traversed and searched slightly. En-
emy retaliated on front fine with 77
mm. shells.
D.H. Own troops not between gun and tar-
get. Artillery F. O.O. reports en-
emy casualties on both occasions.
D.H. Firing line reports noises of stamped-
ing transport. Enemy retaliated on
dummy emplacement.
D.H. Insufficient clearance over own troops.
Did not fire.
D. H. S. O. S. signal at 18.20,19.30-19.56, and
L. T. N. 21.10. No enemy attacks developed.
R.O.A.
3 Sh 08	710
D.H. Traversed slightly. Nо information as
I to results.
< Both positive.
1.	Clea
2.	Imn
3.	For
4.	If ot »columns above and find clearance by rule.
Note.-
Notes.
1.	The top horizontal line is the drop in yards in the first 100 yards beyond the crest. The horizontal line directly below it is the distance to
measure back from the crest to find gun position.
2.	For full explanation of use of table, see section 31.
Example.—The ground drops 7 yards in 100, and assume also that the gun is below the crest. The left-hand side of table must therefore be
used. The table shows that for a drop of 7 yards we must go back 1,900 yards from the crest. At this point, say, the gun position is found to be
90 yards below the crest. Final range, therefore, equals 2,000 yards. Place the gun at this point.
3.	When the gun is in position, fire should be directed on the crest, elevation and direction being put on by any of the usual methods for
indirect fire. In the example given above, the quadrant angle is that for a V.I. of 90 yards and a range of 2,000 yards—i. e., 411 minutes. (See
Table 3(A).)
4.	Searching should be employed away from the crest, but it must be remembered that as the cone is beating falling ground the length of the
zone will be very much increased; therefore the turns of the wheel should be few in number.
6. If the final position is not suitable the gun should be moved farther away from—not nearer to—the crest, and the elevation increased by the
distance moved.
6. If it be desired to engage an area of ground which lies some distance back from the crest, without searching back from the crest itself, the
position of the gun must be determined with reference to the crest as detailed above. Then the quadrant elevation necessary to hit the near
u mlt of the ground to be searched must be put on in the usual way for indirect fire.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO.
96
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
KEY TO PLATES.
оВ В В BBS В 0 В В 0 0 0* D Eb D* о о* о
........Company commander.
........Second in command.
........Section officer.
........Subsection officer.
........Company sergeant major.
........Company quartermaster sergeant.
........Sergeant.
........Corporal.
........Range taker.
........Scout.
........Gun number, lance corporal, or private.
........Artificer.
........Batman.
........Saddler.
........Shoeingsmith.
........Cook
........Storeman.
........Driver.
........Signaler.
........Filterer.
........Horse or mule.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
97
PLATE I.
MACHINE-GUN COMPANY DRAWN UP IN LINE.
36 УЛ
ЕИ
<1 *1 1Ф1ФМ
101862е—17----7
98
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
PLATE И.
MACHINE-GUN COMPANY IN COLUMN OF ROUTE. ACTION NOT
EXPECTED.
.................	Й
	-Й
pz.7"_	OD
1 «« !	i	Д и a И	Q
1	3 Settop □	Q —Ф
Detail of section
in fours.
О
шиши
ига m
rararara
ИИИИ
ШИИИ
И CZJ и
ИИ ИИ
И
Total length of
column = 811 yds.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
99
PLATE III.
MACHINE-GUN COMPANY IN COLUMN OF ROUTE. ACTION
EXPECTED.
t-.	____ ’“ТЕЗ О CorpK
i----------------------ш саз
/V? / GunLimbu
I Section
Detachment
Rtyht Sub-Section
№2 Cun Limber
<f
№t Section
Octa ch me nt
Left Sub-Secton
Sab Sec Offf'H°/Se<ta,
QC.ffa2 Section
Followed in succession by 2, 3 and 4 sections in above order. The subsection
officer of No. 4 section followed by No. 3 (ammunition) limbers and remainder of
transport in same order as shown when action is not expected.
Length of column=326 yards.
100
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
PLATE IV.
MOUNTING GUN AT ELEMENTARY DRILL.
Points to note:
1.	Method of supporting gun on the right thigh by No. 2.
2.	Forcing crosshead joint pin home with handle upward.
3.	Firm grip with left hand on rear crosspiece.
4.	No. 1 assisting with left hand.
5.	No. 1 ready to connect elevating screw to the bracket with right hand.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
101
PLATE V.
GUN INCORRECTLY MOUNTED.
Points to note:
Tripod—1. Feet not firmly planted in ground.
2.	Rear leg at an angle to the line of fire.
3.	Socket inclined.
4.	Joint pin not turned down.
5.	Upper elevating screw too short.
Gun—1. Inclined to one side.
2. Muzzle pointing upward.
3. Condenser tube outside front carrying handle.
102
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
PLATE VI.
NORMAL FIRING POSITION (SITTING).
Points to note:
1.	Gun and tripod mounted correctly at suitable height, with belt box in posi-
tion.
2.	Condenser tube passed through the loop of front carrying handle.
3.	Condenser bag screened as far as possible.
4.	No. 1. Feet closed in and firmly planted in ground.
5.	Correct method of taking “holding” pressure with both hands.
6.	Elbows supported inside the thighs.
7.	Eyes directed toward the target.
8.	No. 2. Lowest possible position.
9.	Right hand assisting feed belt.
10.	Observing controlling officer from position below the gun.
11.	Left hand out horizontally indicating “ Ready to fire.”
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
108
PLATE VII.
NORMAL FIRING POSITION (LYING).
Points to note:
1.	Gun and tripod mounted in lowest position with socket clear of the ground.
2.	No. 1. Heels firm on ground and legs close in to gun.
3.	“Holding’’ pressure taken with both hands, arms close to body.
4.	Back supported by No. 2<
5.	No. 2. Lowest possible position consistent with performance of duties.
6.	Right hand keeping ammunition box in position.
7.	Watching for signals from a position below the gun.
8.	Left hand out indicating “ Gun ready to fire.”
9.	Knees drawn up behind No. 1 for support.
104	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
PLATE VIII.
MOUNTING GUN (VICKERS) IN PRONE POSITION.
Points to note:
1.	Minimum exposure.
2.	Tripod mounted in lowest position—socket just clear of ground.
3.	No. 1. Position taken up on left of gun.
4.	Left hand supporting barrel casing.
5.	Right hand forcing home the crosshead joint pin.
6.	No. 2. Lefthand gripping rear crosspiece.
7.	Ready to connect elevating screw to the bracket with right hand.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
105
PLATE IX.
FIRING WITH AUXILIARY TRIPOD.
Points to note:
1.	Feet of tnpod forced in ground by No. 2.
2.	Sights upright.
3.	No. 1. Correct “holding” with both hands.
4.	Elbows splayed out to support gun and body.
5.	No. 2. Assisting feed belt with right hand.
6.	Left hand out indicating “ Gun ready to fire.”
7.	Watching controlling officer. ,*
106
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
PLATE X.
POSITIONS WHEN FIRING ALONG A STEEP SLOPE.
Points to note:
Tripod.—1. Feet firmly planted. Legs adjusted to suit ground. Rear leg down
the slope.
2. Socket upright.
Gun.—3. Loaded and laid correctly.
4. Condenser tube inside carrying handle.
No. 1.—5. Position suitable to ground.
6. Holding pressure, supported by No. 2.
No. 2.-7. Supporting ammunition box with right hand»
8. Watching controlling officer.
9. Hand out indicating “ Gun ready to fire.”
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1
107
PLATE XI.
POSITIONS WHEN FIRING DOWN A STEEP SLOPE.
Points to note:
Tripod.—1. Legs adjusted to suit ground. Roar log down slope.
2. Socket upright.
Gun.—3. Loaded and laid.
4. Condenser tube inside carrying handle.
№. /.—5. Position adapted to suit ground.
6. “Holding” with arms close to body.
No. £.—7. Supporting ammunition box.
8. Position adapted to ground.
108
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
PLATE XIII.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
109
PLATE XIV.
VICKERS OR MAXIM GUN MOUNTED BEHIND BANK.
PLATE XV.
110
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1
PLATE XVI.
SKETCH OF BVILO1NG
PLATE XVII.
-Band of fine-
Culminating font(fest than heighta man)
________y— "	Aiming Mart
КгзГ Gr-j^e
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
Ill
PLATE XIX.
DEFILADED ZONE
112	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
PLATE XX.
SEARCHING REVERSE SLOPES.
PLATE XXI.
USE OF COMBINED SIGHTS.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
113
PLATE XXII.
SEARCHING FIRE.
PLATE XXIII.
SEARCHING FIRE, USING TWO GUNS.
PLATE XXIV.
OVERHEAD FIRE—PROTRACTOR METHOD.
T » Target.
SECTION Отсек USING Protractor
Вл N9/.
П ор 5.- 5rt- О* гор иле or sight on TO TMGtT.
BLofS.-AC" O*8GTTOM une or SIGHT on to WTTQ" Of SATtTV MGLtATX.
Z- СомменсемснТ or danger area.
5 “ Supported troops.
101862 е—17---8
114
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1
PLATE XXV.
OVERHEAD FIRE—TANGENT SIGHT METHOD.
T • Тмсет
O.Lo' S.^Ohicihal hue or Sigh г он тмоет with counter cuvatioh он guh
N. L.ofS * New Ling Sight он to воггом or занту angu аг г
Suppoitrco Thoops,
PLATE XXVI.
INDIRECT FIRE—GRATICULE METHOD.
/----RANGE TO TARGET 1750
CONTENTS.
Page.
Employment of machine guns and light automatic weap-
ons by cavalry_______________________________________ 117
Tactical use of machine guns by cavalry when acting as
infantry and in trench warfare----------------------- 129
Tactical use of auto-mounted machine guns and 37-mm.
guns_________________________________________________ 135
115

THE EMPLOYMENT OF MACHINE GUNS AND LIGHT AUTOMATIC
WEAPONS BY CAVALRY.
Types of Automatic Machine Rifles.
The term “ machine gun ” is popularly applied to all rifles of
this character. Some foreign authorities, however, are careful
to apply the name “ machine gun ” to automatic machine rifles
of the Maxim, Vickers, heavy Hotchkiss, St. Etienne, and Colt
types only, calling those of the Lewis, light Hotchkiss, Benet-
Mercie, and Madsen types “ light automatic weapons,” for the
reason that the latter are a cross between the machine gun
proper and the automatic rifle. The automatic rifle implies a
weapon which can replace the ordinary magazine rifle in the
hands of the individual soldier.
The powers and limitations of these two classes of automatic
machine rifles have been carefully studied, and each is used for
the work to which it is best suited. The machine gun, or
heavier type, is used where long-sustained fire of any kind is
necessary, as for—
(a)	Creating bands or belts of fire across the front of a
defensive position.
(b)	Guarding the flanks of an attack by covering areas of
ground with fire.
(c)	Long-range covering fire.
(d)	Indirect fire, etc.
The lighter or Lewis gun type has generally been assigned
to infantry companies and cavalry troops and is considered
ideal for supplementing the fire power of riflemen, assisting
them to gain fire superiority and closely supporting them on all
occasions in either attack or defense.
The' Lewis gun type is the first to go forward in an attack
and the last to be brought away in a retirement. The use of
this type makes it possible to place fewer of the Vickers gun
type in the front line of an entrenched position, reduces the
117
118	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
number of riflemen in the front-line ,trenches, and enables
positions won in an attack to be more quickly organized.
In the British service at present there is one light automatic
weapon to each troop of cavalry (i. e., 12 per regiment), and in
addition there are six Vickers machine guns assigned to each
cavalry brigade.
In this paper the term “machine gun” will always refer to
the heavy or Vickers type, and the term “ automatic weapon ”
will refer to the light type (Lewis, Hotchkiss, Benet-Mercie, or
Madsen). When both classes are referred to, the term “auto-
matic machine rifle ” will be used.
Notes on Employment.
The following are some notes on the employment of machine
guns and light automatic weapons compiled by a prominent
cavalry general serving in France. He offers them, not as a
final pronouncement, but only as a foundation upon which to
buil4 a doctrine.
GENERAL REMARKS.
A.	The characteristics of a weapon will usually determine its
tactical use.
A clear difference must be drawn between the machine gun
and the automatic weapon.
The Vickers gun type is capable, owing to its water jacket,
of a rapid and sustained fire for a very considerable period. It
is capable also, owing to the stable platform its tripod and
clamps afford, of indirect and overhead fire, both by day and
night.
On the other hand, the Lewis gun type, the automatic weapon,
has no water jacket, and its working parts are too light to stand
constant vibration, consequently, though capable of extremely
rapid fire, it can not sustain it for long, and must be used for
short bursts of rapid fire.
B.	It must be understood that an automatic weapon can not
take the place of a machine gun. It is a supplement to and not
a substitute for the machine gun.
It must be regarded, especially by the cavalry, as a single-shot
rifle and used as such, but as one capable on emergency, and
when the circumstances and target are suitable, of a very high
rate of fire for a short period.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	119
It should therefore be a maxim that an automatic weapon
should not be employed for rapid automatic fire unless the tacti-
cal result desired, whether it be defensive or offensive, can not
be obtained without it.
It follows that it should never be used for long-range shoot-
ing at insignificant targets, or for “on the chance” shooting,
except for definite purposes, such as deception, or on occasion
covering fire, but must be primarily regarded as a close-range
weapon for decisive use.
If this is not insisted on, especially in open warfare, the am-
munition supply with the cavalry will become an acute diffi-
culty, and the automatic weapon will fail us just when it is
likely to be of most use.
C.	We must not have detachments permanently told off to
the automatic weapon, but at least 50 per cent as soon as possi-
ble, and eventually every cavalry soldier must be trained to its
use. The only specialists should be a certain number of gun-
ners—six or eight per weapon—who should be specially trained
in its mechanism, and have a higher knowledge of its tactical
use, but primarily it should be regarded as every man’s weapon.
D.	Machine guns and automatic weapons, acting solely by
fire, can prepare an offensive movement or repulse an attack,
but can not themselves gain ground. This r61e must always be
left to the infantry, or with cavalry, to the man and horse
combined.
It can therefore be said that, whenever action by fire alone
is sufficient for the desired tactical result, it may be advan-
tageous to use machine guns and automatic weapons rather
than men, reserving the latter for combined operation by move-
ment and fire. They may. and in fact often do, economize men.
E.	Machine guns and automatic weapons produce a dense,
deep, but narrow cone of fire. Traversing widens the zone, but
the consequent loss of density weakens the effect very con-
siderably.
Their fire has therefore the maximum power on narrow-
fronted, deep objectives. Flanking fire must therefore always
be sought for, and frontal fire will only have its full effect
against troops who are compelled by the accidents of ground or
obstacles to narrow their front.
All automatic machine rifles, by reason of their small de-
tachments and ease of concealment, possess the power of sur-
prise action with all the effect this produces. Opening fire by
120	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
surprise should therefore always be sought for, and automatic
machine rifles should never give away their positions by open-
ing fire without full justification and a certainty of producing
the desired effect.
F.	If the above general principles are departed from, as they
may be in exceptional cases, the sole justification must be an
affirmative answer to the question, Does the result hoped for
justify the expenditure of ammunition?
G.	The light automatic weapon is part of the ordinary fire
power of a troop, and there should therefore be very strong
reasons of tactical expediency for withdrawing all or any of
them for use elsewhere.
They have been referred to as a reserve of fire power in the
hands of the squadron leader, as have the Vickers guns as a
reserve in the hands of the brigadier.
They will both, of course, occasionally be used as such, but,
speaking generally, it is, I think, a mistake so to regard them.
Opportunities for taking full advantage of their powers are
more often than not very fleeting with cavalry, and it should
be the aim of squadron and brigade commanders to distribute
them in such proportion as they think fit as early as possible.
H.	The following are put forward as suggestions for the
employment of automatic machine rifles in specific cases.
(1)	Duties when acting purely as infantry.
Trench warfare.—Machine guns are the framework pn which
a defensive line is built, and their number will not be affected
by the presence of automatic weapons, though their distribu-
tion may be. The value of automatic weapons is to economize
men, not to reduce the number of machine guns.
Machine guns are posted to create belts of cross fire along
the front of a position. The sustained rate of fire of automatic
weapons is not sufficient for this purpose, nor are they suitable
for indirect or overhead fire.
It is rarely possible for machine guns to cover all the ground,
and what they can not cover must be searched by automatic
weapons firing over the parapet; owing to their mobility and
absence of a fixed platform considerable liberty of action can
be allowed them. They must be kept under cover during bom-
bardment, but as they require no definite emplacements greater
choice is possible in the selection of spots for their shelter,
provided they can come into action without delay. Definite
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
121
fronts must be allotted to them and the detachments be thor-
oughly familiar with all possible firing places covering such
fronts.
Provided all are familiar with their use, great economy of
men and consequent lessening of casualties may be brought
about by their use in the front line.
In the event of a portion of the line being broken, automatic
weapons can, owing to their mobility and invisibility, be
brought into action, covering the captured portion of the
trenches from positions impossible for machine guns, even
from shell holes and accidents of ground out in the open. Their
use for firing “ inward ” from communication trenches to con-
fine a hostile success in a water-tight compartment is also
indicated.
In an attack out of trenches covering fire on the flanks is the
province of the machine guns. Automatic weapons can do
great service in providing covering fire from the front. They
can be pushed out under cover of darkness, smoke, or bombard-
ment and establish themselves in shell holes, ditches, long
grass, etc., and by concentrating on hostile machine-gun em-
placements or sweeping the parapet greatly aid the advance.
They should not accompany the first line of attack, but as
soon as the first line of trenches is taken should be rapidly
pushed up to cover reorganization and pursue the enemy with
fire and ward off counter attack until the line is established.
(2)	Open warfare—acting as infantry.
If cavalry have to undertake an infantry attack on a locality
where the enemy is only hastily entrenched, it may be possible
to push forward automatic weapons with the leading line, as
they will appear to the enemy as ordinary riflemen. If used in
this way they can provide covering fire for the front line when
advancing in rushes over short distances. They may even be
able to work forward in front of the line with the same object.
Machine guns will always be used for long-range covering
fire and if “ preparation ” is necessary, both in the case of
advances mounted and dismounted.
' It should be a maxim that no attempt is made to gain ground
against known opposition without the provision of such cover-
ing fire to assist forward progress, provide against forced re-
tirement if the advance fails, and to cover the flanks.
122	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
The weight of the machine guns should in all such operations
gravitate naturally toward the flanks, from where they can
combine cross fire to the front and protection of the flanks.
They follow the attack by advancing en Echelon on the wings.
In wood fighting automatic weapons should not accompany
the front line, as they can not fire suddenly from the shoulder.
They should be distributed some 50 or 100 yards in rear of the
front line, at the heads of the supporting line (which should
always be in columns of sections or files) and some toward the
flanks of the supporting line, but inside the flank columns.
Machine guns should normally accompany the reserve with
their weight toward the most dangerous flanks. Every effort
must be made to keep a close control over fire in wood fighting,
a most difficult thing to do. Sudden, extremely intense bursts
of fire will assist forward movement to a greater degree than
uncontrolled tree to tree fighting.
(3)	Open cavalry fighting.
The distribution of the machine-gun squadron in a column
on the march would seem to be dictated by the proximity of the
enemy. If contact is expected early, there should be at least a
section with the advance-guard squadron, and one or perhaps
two sections in rear of the leading squadron of the leading
regiment. Such distribution would tend to insure that minor
opposition is disposed of quickly, and would prevent the head
of the column being driven in by unexpectedly strong hostile
offensive action.
Normally the position of the remainder of the machine guns
would seem to be following the horse artillery, i. e., in rear of
the leading regiment, from which position they could be quickly
distributed, either forward or to regiments following in rear
which are ordered to deploy or to move to either flank.
Advance guards.—It is the business of a cavalry advance
guard to take very bold and aggressive action, to grip, hold, and
outflank the enemy as rapidly as possible to compel him to dis-
close his disposition. It is a reflection on any mounted advance
guard if it permits the march of the main column to be delayed
by what afterwards turns out to be only minor opposition.
On being held up, the enemy must be “ held ” in front by fire,
and immediate offensive flank reconnaissance undertaken, to
both flanks if possible, and at least to one.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	123
Machine guns should be used for the direct holding fire, and
to cover the advance of flanking detachments, and their retire-
ment if they are driven back.
Automatic weapons should be used for the flanking move-
ments, and may be able to progress—owing to their mobility and
the small target they offer—by making use of the accidents of
terrain, where a large body, such as a troop, would be stopped
by Are. At the same time, if they reach their objective, the
volume of fire they produce will be equal to and more concen-
trated than that of a troop. When a direct advance appears
possible again at least a section of machine guns should remain
in action until the situation is quite clear again.
Rear guards should always be strong in automatic machine
rifles, which enable them to hold on longer, use fewer men, and
cover a wider front.
It may therefore be advisable to Increase the proportion of
automatic weapons with a rear guard, especially with flank de-
tachments. The question of ammunition supply is made easier
as a rear guard is always retiring on its supply. Automatic
weapons are quicker in and out of action, so their use is indi-
cated with the rearmost parties for close work, while the
Vickers guns should retire first and assist with long-range cover-
ing fire the retirement of the remainder.
All automatic machine rifles in such work should endeavor to
come into action just where the enemy does not expect them,
and avoid conspicuous points—villages, houses, small woods,
etc.—which attract artillery fire. Opportunity should always be
sought to make an over-bold enemy pay dearly for a premature
advance by feigning a retreat of mounted men and drawing
them into a storm of lead.
When a prolonged defense is contemplated automatic machine
rifles will be used on the same general principles as in trench
warfare. If we have to “ seize and hold ” ground until the
arrival of the infantry, the Vickers guns will be posted to create
a belt of cross-fire in front of the position; for long-range fire
against distant approaches; for overhead and Indirect fire, espe-
cially by night; for strengthening weak flanks and holding
strong points for determined defense.
Automatic weapons will be best employed to command and
cross-fire the final approaches and to cover ground which the
Vickers guns can not. Their use is also indicated in “ advance
posts ” commanding'covered approaches invisible from the main
124	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
defensive line and compelling premature deployment Very
careful Instructions as to how long such posts are to remain in
action and their lines of retirement are necessary.
When cavalry is making successive mounted advances against
opposition, or seizing a particular line, the preliminary occupa-
tion of tactical points covering the subsequent advance of the
bulk of the force is very important, especially toward the flanks,
whether the force engaged is a large one or only an advance-
guard squadron. It is as if we throw out “ kedge ” anchors with
which to warp ourselves forward.
Attempts to gain such points should always be the first step
in mounted forward movement.
Covering fire is essential—by horse artillery if present, and
always by Vickers guns, the procedure of advance being scouts,
sections with automatic weapons, troops complete, and finally
squadrons, followed by other Vickers guns, gradually increasing
our hold, making good and extending outward till*all join up.
A proportion of horse artillery and Vickers guns must always
be left in their covering positions until the success of the opera-
tion is assured and the need no longer exists of a rallying point
in case of retirement.
Retirements on a broad front follow the same procedure as
regards automatic machine rifles as rear guards.
In all open *operations the presence of automatic weapons with
flank protective patrols and detachments will much assist them
in their duties, which are, first, to give ample warning of a
flank offensive, and, secondly, to put up such delaying action
as they can to give time to the reserve to be moved to a suitable
position to deal with the situation.
When cavalry is “bluffing” and holding a long line thinly,
automatic weapons might be of great value for deception, and
in this case their use at long ranges is permissible. Thus, by
firing a few rapid rounds simulating a machine gun, which is
usually associated with the presence of considerable formed
bodies.
Automatic weapons and machine guns add greatly to the
strength of an outpost line and enable us to economize men in
this fatiguing duty.
All defiles, bridges, roads, and approaches will be covered by
them, the general distribution being the same as outlined above
for a prolonged defensive.
They are especially valuable if the ground held is that on
which the main body Intends to fight if attacked.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
125
The mobility of the automatic weapon will enable it to be
used by day with great boldness in positions well in front of the
general line.
If mounted offensive is attempted against us by large bodies
of cavalry, the skillful posting of automatic machine rifles in
hedges, buildings, copses, groups of trees, sunken roads, etc.,
anywhere, in fact, where the horsemen can not get at us to use
his weapon, should prevent his ever getting home with the
sabre. We must, however, remember that we can not always
foretell beforehand the exact line of advance that will be
taken by the enemy’s mass, and we must not be premature
in dispersing our weapons. A few Vickers guns will probably be
sufficient to turn back a hostile mounted mass or compel them
to adopt dismounted tactics, but if we want decisive results
we must hold our automatic machine rifles in hand until the
last possible moment, possibly endeavoring to draw the enemy
in a desired direction by a portion of our force mounted.
Concealment and surprise are essential to complete success.
Scouts and patrols must be acted against with great boldness.
At the last possible moment an avalanche of fire must be
brought to bear on the enemy by every machine rifle in the
force, each portion of it moving to its allotted position and
coming into action with extreme rapidity.
For such action automatic weapons would appear to be best
used with the more dispersed action of the individual squadron,
while a considerable proportion of the Vickers guns would
probably have most effect if handled as a battery.
The retention of a mounted reserve should also be considered.
Such an action to be really successful demands a good eye for
country and rapid judgment to decide when to assume the fire
offensive and is a most interesting tactical study.
In mounted encounters between small bodies of cavalry, the
quick combination of fire and shock will mean the difference
between partial and complete success. The use of automatic
weapons in such affairs is worth close study and practice.
Notes on the Use of Automatic Weapons With Cavalby.
(Arranged in condensed form to assist regimental officers.)
Characteristics of automatic weapons.—Capable of very rapid
fire, but can not sustain it for long. Best target deep and
narrow. Can be used as a single loader, by repetition or auto-
126	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
matically. Three drawbacks—heating, limited traverse, awk-
ward to get on and off horse; these will be lessened with experi-
ence and improved equipment
From a consideration of the above, the following general
principles emerge:
An automatic weapon is a supplement to, and not a substi-
tute for, a machine gun.
Conditions to be looked for are concealment, surprise, and
flanking fire.
Automatic weapons should be used to economize men and as
a reserve of fire power of the squadron commander or of the
troop commander of a detached Чгоор.
Automatic weapons must generally be used as single-shot
rifles, occasionally by repetition, seldom automatically.
Positions must never be given away prematurely, so that full
effect may be obtained at decisive ranges.
Regimental4 officers must practice themselves in tactical
schemes, constantly considering when, where, and how to use
their automatic weapons.
Automatic-weapon men must be constantly selecting positions
in tactical schemes.
The difficulty of ammunition supply must always be remem-
bered.
(1)	In open warfare—With advance guards,—During an ap-
proach march the automatic weapon should be used to
strengthen our hold on tactical positions at the end of various
rushes, the moment the position has been scouted, especially
toward the flanks.
It should also be useful with a troop to cover the advance or
retirement of patrols reconnoitering suspected places.
When held up by enemy we must at once develop his fire so
as to ascertain whether we have encountered a post or a line.
Open holding fire in front and start offensive flank reconnais-
sance on both flanks.
For holding frontal fire employ machine guns if available.
Use automatic weapons for flank movements, as owing to their
mobility and small target offered it may progress where a troop
could not and be more concentrated.
If a post, combined frontal and flanking fire will probably
cause it to move.
If part of a line not to be turned, we must break through.
Establish automatic weapons at tactical points which will
secure our deployment.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	127
The commander having reconnoitered and made his plan, a
dismounted attack must be pushed home. (Par. 5 below.)
(2)	'With a rear guard.—Automatic weapons will be especially
useful. The question of ammunition supply is facilitated, as
a rear guard is always retiring on its supply. Concealment and
flanking fire should be sought for and the automatic weapons
placed in the most unlikely places and not in the most obvious.
Machine guns should retire before automatic weapons and assist
the retirement of the latter with covering fire. Alternative posi-
tions should always be selected for each automatic weapon so
that if one position is located another can be occupied.
Practice getting out of action unseen, quickly, and quietly.
(3)	With flank guards.—The automatic weapons should be
pushed well out until they can get a series of mutually cross-
firing positions to cover the approaches from the flank.
During the march between rushes officers must always
ask themselves the question, If the enemy is reported now,
where do I send my automatic weapons? If they can not answer
it correctly, they are leaving things to chance. To be able
always to answer this question means foresight, good map
reading, and reconnaissance. For this purpose the second in
command of the squadron and troop leaders must be freely
used to supplement the information obtained from the map.
Delay in coming into action is always owing to lack of fore-
sight and reconnaissance on the part of the commander rather
than to slowness of the troops concerned.
(4)	For protection of troops halted.—Automatic weapons
should be used to strengthen pickets holding likely approaches.
(5)	In a dismounted attack.— (a) To provide covering fire
from the front during an attack wherever concealment or cover
exist, the automatic-weapon men should creep forward and get
into action, so as to provide covering fire from the front for the
advance. If cover is scarce, advantage should be taken of our
artillery fire for automatic weapons to push forward. Machine
guns should provide covering fire from rear or flanks whenever
possible.
(b) In the struggle for superiority of fire more automatic
weapons should be sent up to reinforce the firing line, rather than
more men if the latter would suffer heavy loss.
(c) To provide a mobile reserve of fire power under the
squadron commander likely to be useful in repelling counter
attacks, especially on the flanks.
128
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
(6)	In defense automatic weapons should be used to cross-
fire the front and sweep any approaches not covered by machine-
gun fire.
(7)	In a mounted attack.—The automatic weapons should
either (a) be concealed so as to engage the enemy frontally
whilst the cavalry attack in flank, or (&) should gallop out to a
flank so as to enfilade the enemy while the cavalry attack in
front.
(8)	In a pursuit.—Full use must be made of our horses.
Squadrons must gallop and seize tactical points on the flanks of
the enemy’s lines of retreat where, owing to obstacles, the enemy
will bunch and offer good targets to the automatic weapons.
(9)	In wood fighting.—So soon as the scouts have located the
enemy some automatic weapons should go forward and get into
position so as to smother the enemy with fire the moment he
opens and cover our forward movement. Other automatic
weapons should move forward at the heads of the supporting
line, which will generally be in line of troop columns.
The machine guns should be toward the flanks and with the
reserve.
In trench warfare—
1.	To supplement the fire of infantry and machine guns.
2.	To economize infantry.
3.	Firing from the parapet to command ground which can not
be swept by machine-gun fire.
4.	To provide covering fire from the front during an attack
automatic-weapon men creep forward under cover of night,
smoke, or artillery bombardment and hide in shell holes, ditches,
crops, etc.
5.	To help consolidate positions won and cover the reorganiza-
tion of the attacking troops.
6.	For small enterprises where the weight and visibility of
machine guns are unsuitable.
7.	To reinforce infantry when sending forward more men
would entail heavy losses.
8.	As a mobile reserve of Are power.
TACTICAL USE OF MACHINE GUNS BY CAVALRY WHEN ACTING
AS INFANTRY AND IN TRENCH WARFARE.
Note.—In this paper the term “ machine gun ” is used indis-
criminately for the machine gun proper (the Vickers type) and
the automatic weapon (the Lewis gun type). Their uses must
not be confounded. The Lewis type is in the hands of the
infantry companies and the cavalry troops, while the machine
gun proper, or Vickers type, is organized into machine-gun
companies and troops and they are used for long-range covering
fire, for flank protection, for delivering indirect fire, etc., for
which the lighter type should never be used.
This memorandum has been drawn up from various notes on
the tactical handling of machine-gun detachments based on ex-
perience gained in the present war and lays down the principles
governing their use.
I. Chabactebistics of Machine Guns.
The increase in the number of machine guns tends to make
this weapon the chief arm of the infantry.
The principal characteristics of the machine gun are as fol-
lows : Its power is limited to fire action; the nature of the fire;
its comparative invisibility.
Fire action.—Machine guns by fire action alone can pave the
way for an attack or drive back a hostile assault, but they can
not gain ground. The latter is almost exclusively the rOle of
the infantry which is capable of crossing all obstacles.
Wherever, therefore, fire action alone is needed, machine guns
can be used with advantage in preference to infantry, the‘latter
being reserved for fire action combined with movement.
The use of machine guns, therefore, allows economy in the
use of infantry and frees a greater proportion for maneuver-
ing.
Fire effect.—Machine guns produce a dense, deep, but narrow
cone of fire. Sweeping gives the cone greater width, but then
the density becoming insufficient, the effect is weak. Machine-
gun fire will therefore be most effective against narrow targets
of considerable depth. As infantry normally fights in extended
101862 е—17---------9	129
130	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
order, the above conditions can generally be realized only by
taking the lines in flank. Machine-gun fire parallel to the prob-
able front of the enemy—that is, flanking fire—will therefore
be the rule.
Frontal fire should be used as a matter of principle only upon
points where the enemy is compelled to pass, such as bridges,
roads, defiles, communicating trenches, etc.; that is, against
places where the enemy is obliged to take up dense formations
on a narrow front or where his troops are in mass.
Visibility,—By reason of its small personnel, the machine-gun
section can use the slightest cover and, therefore, escape being
seen by the enemy. Hence the possibilities for surprise effect
are far greater for a machine gun than for infantry. The open-
ing of fire by surprise must be the rule; machine guns must not
disclose their locations by firing on targets of minor importance.
Flanking fire and surprise attack are two conditions that must
invariably be sought for.
II. Use of Machine Guns.
The grouping of machine guns into companies assures the
instruction of the crew and the upkeep of the material; it also
favors cohesion and “esprit de corps.” These companies are
tactical as well as administrative units. Although in trench
warfare they are generally used by sections, in open warfare
frequent occasions will arise for them to operate by company
under their commander.
At the beginning of an action, in order to save the infantry
as much as possible, machine guns must be pushed forward with
advance guards and placed from the start at the disposal of
the subordinate commanders.
For the same reason the brigade machine-gun companies must
not be considered as a reserve (“reserve de feux”). The
brigade commander should assign them without delay to his
two regiments, such proportion as he deems necessary. When
the brigade commander or the regimental commander does not
give directly to the machine-gun companies a special or some-
what independent mission, these companies should be placed
during combat under the orders of the battalion commander.
The latter can then place one or more sections under the orders
of their captains.
Use on the offensive.—The principal situations in which ma-
chine guns are called upon to engage are as follows:
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	131
(a)	Reinforcing a front temporarily stationary.
At the beginning of an action machine guns supported by
small parties of infantry will cover very effectively the main
Infantry advance and offer at the same time an Indifferent
target to the enemy.
During the course of the action they assist in holding on to
the ground won and give time to make preparations for resum-
ing the advance.
(b)	Preparation for an attack.
The power of machine-gun fire allows them to be used in
completing the artillery preparation, firing either against the
personnel or making breaches in the auxiliary defenses. Some-
times machine guns may be given the duties of preparing for
an infantry attack when it is necessary to act very quickly (as
in pursuit following up a success).
Whatever the situation, the intense concentrated fire on one
or more points will alone attain certain results.
(c)	Covering the flanks of an attack.
Placed from the start on the flanks of attacking troops, ma-
chine guns will assist their start. They will then follow the
advance of these troops, keeping on the flanks, in position to be
used instantly on all points from which hostile counter attacks
might be delivered.
(d)	Occupation of an interval.
Machine guns are also used to sweep an interval or gap made
intentionally or by accident between two units. In the latter
case they constitute a powerful weapon which may be quickly
put into action by the commander.
Flank action and surprise effect are sought in every case.
The men and guns must be protected against fire as much as
possible.
Use on the defensive.—In the defense the use of flanking fire
is more necessary than ever.
A defensive organization is complete only when machine guns
have been distributed in such a way as to form successive cur-
132
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
tains of fire along the front. The machine guns are therefore
constantly on the lookout, especially at night, ready to block
with instantaneous fire any hostile attempt.
In order that the curtains of fire thus organized play their
part at the moment of an attack, it is indispensable that the
machine gun shall not have been destroyed by the bombardment.
Their protection is consequently a matter of particular care.
The three following precautions should be observed: Place the
machine guns in bombproofs. Make their emplacements in-
visible. Echelon them from front to rear.
Shelters: A machine-gun casemate that is really bombproof
requires considerable overhead thickness and relief. In open
ground this would necessarily be noted by the enemy who may
destroy it if it is worth the ammunition. The casemate form of
emplacement must, therefore, be reserved for those cases where
it will escape the enemy’s observation, such as reverse slopes, or
w’here it is possible to merge the relief with a well-marked slope
of the ground, in woods, shelters, etc.
The greater part of the work such as the preparation of timber,
etc., should be done at the rear. By this condition alone can the
work be done solidly and rapidly.
While the gunners and their assistants are digging the excava-
tion, the special troops prepare at the rear the wooden frames.
The latter are then brought to the location and the casemate is
completed in one or two nights at most, the greatest care being
taken to hide the work from the enemy’s observation.
Invisibility: To render machine guns invisible it is necessary
to build emplacements outside the dugouts, but near enough to
insure the guns being brought up without delay. The dugout
being only to protect the personnel may be dug as deep as re-
quired and have only an insignificant relief.
The firing position should be in the immediate vicinity of the
dugout. The former may be protected against splinters by a
light roof with little relief or be entirely open.
The firing emplacement may be a simple pit dug in the open,
in front or behind the parapet. This well-like pit should be con-
nected with the dugout by an underground passage. The ma-
chine gun is brought into action at the last minute, flush with
the edge of the pit, either without protection or, preferably, be-
hind a shield or small embankment connected with the natural
ground by the gentle slope. This pit and its approaches if
carefully disguised will certainly escape the enemy’s observa-
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
133
tion. Emplacements of this type are frequently used in rear of
the front-line trenches.
When trenches lie on the reverse slope it is advantageous to
place machine guns in this way in front of the crest and to
connect them with the trenches by an underground passage.
Trees may also be used as gun positions.
To insure invisibility, it is necessary on the one hand to dis-
guise all approaches leading to the'emplacements by means of
underground passages and on the other to increase the number
of emplacements so as to avoid firing daily from those specially
reserved for use in case of attack.
Positions in echelon: The natural tendency is to place all the
machine guns in the front line in order to form an impenetrable
curtain of fire in front of the trenches. But during a violent
bombardment the first-line trenches and most of the machine
guns, at any rate those that have been located, will be destroyed.
It is therefore dangerous to place too many machine guns in the
front line.
The object in view is to place the guns and men under such
conditions that, should the effects of the bombardment and the
asphyxiating gases enable the enemy to penetrate our lines, the
hostile infantry as it advances will come under the fire of our
machine guns, previously echeloned from front to rear, which*
will bring it to a standstill.
What is required is not to sweep an extensive sector but to
bring flanking fire to bear over certain definite zones or strips
of ground, which will surely mow down the advancing waves
of hostile infantry.
Orders will, therefore, be given to distribute the available
machine guns between the front-line trenches and the ground
in rear, organizing in each particular case an emplacement
suitable to the surrounding ground and having the above object
in view.
III.	General Rules of Location.
Under no circumstances must the machine gunners abandon
their posts. If surrounded they will fight to the last.
On several occasions the tenacity and devotion of a few ma-
chine gunners have enabled a lost position to be regained
rapidly.
To allow of this utmost resistance, gun emplacements should
fulfill the following conditions:
134	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
(a)	They should be surrounded by barbed wire of irregular
trace, concealed as much as possible.
(b)	Inside this should be several alternative emplacements In
case one of them should be rendered untenable.
(c)	The men should be provided with means of protection
against gas, and have besides plenty of food, water, and am-
munition.
IV.	Use of Fire Action and Instruction.
Machine-gun fire is the more effective as it is the more
grazing. This leads to the use of machine guns principally at
ranges of 800 to 1,000 meters in order to benefit by the flat
trajectory.
However, the effort to secure grazing fire does not preclude
firing at longer ranges. This is always justified on important
objectives and at points where the enemy must pass. For this
fire to be effective the range must be determined with the
greatest accuracy.
In the defense indirect fire will sometimes be used to hinder
bringing up supplies, reliefs, etc. To obtain results a consider-
able expenditure of ammunition will generally be necessary.
All officers, noncommissioned officers, and the greater per-
centage of the men should know how to fire the gun, so that in
case of attack no weapon will remain unused for lack of men.
It is also indispensable to keep up the training of the crew
by making them fire at least twice a month, and, if possible,
once a week.
To Sum Up.
Machine guns should be utilized to as large an extent as
possible, in order to economize infantry.
Flanking fire should always be used.
Guns should be concealed to obtain surprise effect.
Guns should be well sheltered and placed in echelon from
front to rear to avoid being destroyed prematurely.
REGULATIONS FOR THE TACTICAL USE OF AUTO-MOUNTED
MACHINE GUNS AND AUTO-MOUNTED 37-MM. GUNS, OPER-
ATING WITH CAVALRY.
(Dated September 4, 1916.)
[Translated from the French. Army War College, May, 1917.]
1.	Chabactebistics.
In addition to the special properties of machine guns, these
appliances are characterized by :
(a)	Their mobility, by which surprise action can be used to
the utmost
(b)	Practically complete protection from infantry fire and
shrapnel.
(c)	The accuracy of fire and the relatively greater power of
the auto-mounted 37-mm. guns supplements the action of the
auto-mounted machine guns.
The cast-iron shell, with a percussion fuze, easily starts fires
when it passes through the roofs of houses, light shelters, etc.;
it also bursts into numerous and deadly fragments.
(d)	The steel shell, with a base fuze, causes considerable
damage to armored caissons, slightly protected observation
posts, light masonry, etc.
(e)	The auto-mounted 37-mm. guns are especially adapted
for the destruction of the enemy machine guns by direct fire
(they are called machine-gun destroyers).
On the other hand, the auto-mounted machine guns and auto-
mounted 37-mm. guns have the following disadvantages:
(a)	Their general inability to leave the roads.
(b)	Their great visibility due to their size and the dust
raised in dry weather.
(c)	The difficulty of protecting them without either infantry
or cavalry support.
(d)	The difficulty of marching in column.
135
186	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
2.	General Rules for the Use of Auto-Mounted Machine
Guns and Auto-Mounted 37-mm. Guns.
The group constitutes an administrative and tactical unit.
In a war of movement it does not always operate as a unit
at one point, but is divided into detachments of one or two sec-
tions ; one section should be assigned to every large unit (brigade
or regiment), not, however, displacing any artillery.
The auto-mounted machine gun and the auto-mounted 37-mm.
gun should not be considered as a reserve-fire unit. Every
gun section attached to an element of combat for a certain oper-
ation must develop instantly all its destructive capacity.
The principal conditions producing success are audacity in
occupying positions, even exposed positions, which permit effec-
tive action against the enemy; suddenness in opening fire; and
promptness in transferring to another position on the front.
It is essential that the chief of the auto-mounted machine
guns and auto-mounted 37-mm. guns should have a thorough
knowledge of the commanding officer’s intentions, a trained eye
for estimation of the terrain after rapid reconnaissance, and
prompt and bold decision. Great activity and energy on the
part of the personnel is also essential, as well as complete un-
derstanding of the combat methods of the cavalry with which
it is operating.
The auto-mounted machine guns and auto-mounted 37-mm.
guns should not be incorporated in columns, as they hinder
movement, without mentioning the disadvantages to the ma-
teriel resulting from moving in the column at such low speed.
In a column of division the groups on detached motor carriages
should march between the troops and the automobile combat
trains.
The commander of troops designates the position of the
attached fractions of the group, the position they are to occupy
during the march, taking into consideration the tactical situ-
ation, the condition and number of roads, and the clearance
necessary for the vehicles.
The rapid movement of heavy convoys on narrow roads must
be under strict marching discipline; all countermarching on
the route taken by troops going to the front, halting of vehicles
apt to retard movement, or passing a column unless authorized
by its commander is forbidden.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
187
USE IN THE OFFENSIVE.
(a)	Advance guard.—As long as the advance guard does not
come Into contact with the enemy, the auto-mounted machine
guns and auto-mounted 37-mm. guns, by daring and vigorous
action, may cut short the reconnaissance of localities and woods,
and be able to insure possession in a few minutes.
They conceal themselves, if in proximity of the enemy, taking
advantages of the terrain, and try to gain the enemy’s flanks,
to realize the effect of surprise.
When the advance guard halts momentarily, the auto-mounted
machine guns and auto-mounted 37-mm. guns occupy the most
favorable points of the terrain, so as to cover the position
while halted, especially to the flanks.
(b)	Flank guard.—One or more sections may be called upon
to hold a point of the terrain, to cover the flanks of a marching
column.
(c)	Reconnaissance detachment.—The addition of auto-
mounted machine guns and auto-mounted 37-mm. guns to a
reconnaissance detachment is often advantageous. Without
encumbering the detachment it adds a force with which it is
possible to overcome the resistances opposed to carrying out the
detachment’s mission.
The auto-mounted machine gun alone should rarely be used
as a means of reconnaissance, as it is blind, unable to leave
the road, and at the mercy of slight obstacles or obstructions.
(d)	Combat.—The auto-mounted machine guns and auto-
mounted 37-mm. guns cover the flanks of an attack by bar-
rages, on terrain favorable to enemy counter attacks, and also
seek to surprise the enemy on his flank with sudden salvos,
intense and Intermittent, and to disorganize him by the rapid
progression of fire, which ceases at one point only to be resumed
from a new position as soon as the motor cars have been able to
advance. They have the greatest chance to escape the enemy
artillery fire because of their rapidity in changing position.
(e)	Pursuit.—Thrown forward with the light elements, the
sections seek to reach the retreating enemy on his flanks, and
to outstrip him to those command points he is obliged to pass.
The commander of a detachment in pursuit should not hesi-
tate, if necessary, to risk the loss of the auto-mounted machine
guns and auto-mounted 37-mm. guns by failure to give them
immediate support, if sending a support would interfere with a
successful action.
138
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
(/) Night combat.—For lack of other matGriel the auto-
mounted machine guns may be employed in the same manner as
ordinary machine guns, but the auto-mounted 37-mm. guns
are not used at night, except in exceptional circumstances. Im-
possibility of using searchlights makes the movement of the
motor carriages absolutely uncertain, the recoil from each shot
necessitates a correction in aim that can not be made as the line
of sight can not be taken. In addition, the flash of firing renders
the gun’s position too easily located.
USE IN THE DEFENSIVE.
It has been noted that the section is the unit normally used
in the offensive, but the group may also find occasion to operate
in the defensive, directly under the orders of its chief.
In all cases the auto-mounted machine gun and auto-mounted
37-mm guns are used for flanking fire, as are all machine
guns.
These auto-mounted guns constitute mobile blockhouses,
which, distributed over the whole of a position, command the
roads, bridges and defiles which may be used by the enemy.
Except in prolonged inaction, or if it is impossible to push
the carriages into the firing line, there is no advantage in dis-
mounting the auto-mounted machine guns for use on the ground.
The extra machine gun with tripod, with which each carriage
should be furnished, fills this purpose.
In rear-guard action the use of the auto-mounted 37-mm.
guns and auto-mounted machine guns is particularly marked
because of their mobility by which they can avoid combat
until the last moment.
In exceptional circumstances the group commander can be
withdrawn to form temporary groups of several auto-mounted
37-mm. guns.
3.	General Rules of Emplacement.
As noted in section 2, rapid but complete reconnaissance
must precede all placing of batteries. It is most important
that each fraction of the auto-mounted machine guns and the
auto-mounted 37-mm. guns called into action does not proceed
toward the position to be occupied until the object and plan
of engagement are thoroughly determined and the zone of
operations reconnoitered. The operation of the auto-mounted
machine guns and auto-mounted 37-mm. guns on unknown
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
139
terrain is forbidden because of the grave miscalculations pos-
sible under such circumstances. Knowledge of all informa-
tion relating to the operation is one of the essential conditions
of its success. The group and section commanders must be
sufficiently versed in equitation to be able to proceed mounted
with the commander of the troops.
The commander of the support will receive exact reports on
the direction of fire and the successive objects from the chief
of the group section. He must take care to have reconnaissances
made of the roads practicable for vehicles.
The most favorable firing distances are for the auto-mounted
37-mm. guns from 1,500 to 2,000 meters (1640.44 to 2187.26
yards) ; for the auto-mounted machine guns from 500 to 1,500
(547 to 1640.44 yards). In general, the firing position of the
auto-mounted machine gun is on the firing line to the front and,
if possible, on the flanks of the auto-mounted 37-mm. guns.
4.	Tactics Under Fire.
The greatest factor for the safety of the carriages is their
mobility; they escape destruction by rapid movement.
Under infantry fire,—Frequently change position of battery;
use every screen to advance, to withdraw, to disappear, in
order to reappear suddenly a few minutes later as far as possi-
ble to the right or left of the first position.
Under artillery fire.—To move by rushes in advance, or to the
rear, and as far as possible in oblique directions relative to
the enemy line of fire.
If the enemy fire follows, it is essential to avoid direct dis-
abling fire and to disappear until the enemy fire has ceased or
is lifted, then to return rapidly, fire a salvo, and disappear
again.
If the enemy artillery creates a barrage, it must be crossed
at high speed and by several roads.
In case of surprise by cavalry or infantry, to use* the case
shot and grenades which each carriage should have in a small
quantity. In addition, each carriage must be supplied with
several smoke bombs, to be used to blind the enemy and facili-
tate the retreat.
5.	Liaisons.
1.	Between commander of group of auto-mounted 37-mm.
guns (when near to the commander of troops) and the group.
(a)	By means of the reel cart or telephone wagon of the
140	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
group, which moves as close as possible to the group com-
mander.
(b)	By the motorcyclists of the group.
(c)	By the liaison troopers (one corporal and three men) de-
tailed with the group commander.
2.	In the sections and between sections and commander of
the group:
(a)	By the reel cart or telephone wagon of the section.
(b)	By the motorcyclists of the section.
SIGNALS.
The auto-mounted machine gun and auto-mounted 37-mm.
gun units will conform in the matter of signaling to the
principles established by “ the instructions of December 4,
1915, on Liaison.”
6.	Organization and Maneuvering of the Group.
(a) Organization.—This group contains:
A certain number of sections (generally three).
One armored liaison carriage (reel cart or telephone wagon)
for the group commander.
One motorcycle.
One work truck.
Four heavy trucks (3 tons).
One light truck (1| tons).
As a rule, two grpups are attached to each cavalry division.
The section is composed of:
2 auto-mounted machine guns.
1 auto-mounted light gun (37 mm.).
1 liaison carriage (reel cart or telephone wagon).
1 motorcycle.
A captain commands the group; a lieutenant or sergeant each
section.
(b) Maneuvering.—Road marching: The group, when as-
sembled for the march, is normally by sections, with the liaison
carriage and the detachment commander’s motorcycle at the
head, if these have not been pushed in advance of the column.
Each section, whether isolated or in a group, has a liaison
carriage and the section motorcycle at its head. The two auto-
mounted machine guns precede the auto-mounted light guns.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	141
Group combat train: Four heavy trucks; follows the last
section.
The reserve combat train: Work car and light truck; bring
up the rear.
Assignment of the group for combat: When the group com-
mander is notified that all, or part of his group, is going on to
the line, he divides the trucks, places the carriages in combat
order, and increases their ammunition supply to double the
normal load of machine-gun cartridges and triple the number
of shells for light guns. He also completes the gasoline and
oil supplies for the auto-mounted machine gun and auto-
mounted 37-mm. gun carriages.
In addition to these measures, he makes such arrangements
as will assure the refilling of his ammunition trucks from the
section of the ammunition train which has been assigned for
his supply.
The commander of the group, having made his reconnaissance
and given the section commanders their tasks, designates the
position of the combat train and the eventual group-rallying
point.
The commander of an isolated section operates on the same
principles.
J. JoFFBE.
COMPOSITION IN DETAIL.
Group.	Sections.
	Group commander.		I.	II.	III.
Liaison wagon of group с о m - mander.	Quarterm aster sergeant. Driver. N oncomm issioned , liaison agent.	Carriage of chief of section.	Lieutenant. Driver. N о n с о m m i ssioned communication agent.	Lieutenant. Driver. Noncommisio ned communication agent.	Lieutenant. Driver. Noncommissio ned communication agent.
Work car		Sergeant mechanic. Driver. Assistant driver (repairs'). Blacksmith. Wheelwright.	Aut o-mounted machine gun- No. 1.	Sergeant (gun com- mander). Driver. Pointer. Loader.	Sergeant (gun com- mander). Driver. Pointer. Loader.	Sergeant (gun com- mander). Driver. Pointer. Loader.
					
4 trucks, heavy	•	Driver (a). Assistant driver (a). Hospital at* , tenuant.	Auto-го ounted machine gun- No. 2.	Sergeant (gun com- mander). Driver. Pointer. Loader.	Sergeant (guncom- mander). Driver. Pointer. Loader.	Sergeant (guncom- mander). Driver. Pointer. Loader.
Light truck	«	(Driver. [Assistant driver [ (cook).	Auto-m ounted light gun.	Sergeant (gun com- mander). Driver. Pointer. Gunner.	Sergeant (gun com- mander). Driver. Pointer. Gunner.	Sergeant (gun com- mander). Driver. Pointer. Gunner.
Motorcycle		Motorcyclist.	Motorcycle.	Motorcyclist.	Motorcyclist.	Motorcyclist.
(a) To each truck.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	148
TABLE FOR LOADING THE TRUCKS OF A GROUP OF AUTO-MOUNTED
MACHINE GUNS AND AUTO-MOUNTED 37 MM. GUNS.
Total
quantity.
Combat cars.	Am- muni- tion trucks.	Unit quantity by case or crate.
Unit.
Ammunition.
Cartridges in belts for St. Etienne ma-
chine gun.
Shell for 37 mm. guns:
Cast iron................................
Steel................................
Shrapnel.............................
Explosives.
Melinite or cheddite detonating caps,
Bickford fuze and primers.................
Gasoline and lubricating oil.1
In the reservoirs........................
In reserve on the cars...................
In reserve on the trucks.................
Miscellaneous material.
Angle-iron beams for crossing obstacles...
J23,400	48,900	/Box of 300	 (Case of 1,050...	Kilos. 13 40
900 300 60	1,584 264 132	1 In cases of 33 [ rounds.	f 25.3 1 27 I 20
		1 case		45
			do		10
Liters. 1,190 240	Liters.		
		5 or 10 liter	5 or 10
	900	drum. /50-liter drum	60
		\Cases of 10, drum of 5 liters.	70
	(2)	1 iron		90
i Gasoline for 400 kilograms at rate of 30 liters for 100 kilograms for each of 19 cars
and 5 trucks. Lubricating oil all vehicles for 400 kilograms and for operation and
care of all machine guns and 37 mm. guns.
s Eight pieces, 3$ meters.
144
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
TABLE FOR LOADING THE TRUCKS OF A GROUP OF AUTO-MOUNTED
MACHINE GUNS AND AUTO-MOUNTED 37 MM. GUNS—Continued.
	On each of the 6 auto-mounted machine gun cars.		On each of the 3 auto-mounted 37 mm, guns.		On each of the 3 combat trucks.	
	Quan- tity.	Weight.	Quan- tity.	Weight	Quantity.	Weight.
Ammunition. Cartridges in belts for St. Etienne machine	| 7,800	Kilos. 338		Kilos.	ЮЬуЗОО... 15 by 1,050. 14 by 33.... 5 by 33		KUO8. 130 480
gun. Shell for 37 mm. guns: Cast iron				300 100	210		353
Steel					75		135
Shrapnel				20	12	1 by 33		20
Explosives. Melinite or cheddite de- tonating caps, Bick- ford fuze and primers. Gasoline and lubricating oilA In the reservoirs	 In reserve on the cars... In reserve on the trucks.					2 by 45		90
					1 case		10
	Liters. 60 10	60 10	Liters. 60 10	60 10	Liters. 60 10 200	60 10 240
					50	70
Miscellaneous material. Angle-iron beams for crossing obstacles						2	180
Ropes, tadkle, tow lines. Reserve tools: Spades							60
					2	
Pickaxes						2	
Axes						2	50
Saw (two-hand)....					1	
Pedestal, tripod, and spare gun		1	57				
Men and equipment....	4	400	4	400	3	300
1 Gasoline for 400 kilograms at rate of 30 liters for 100 kilograms for each of 19 cars
and 5 trucks. Lubricating oil all vehicles lor 400 kilograms and for operation and
are of all machine guns and 37 mm. guns.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	145
TABLE FOR LOADING THE TRUCKS OF A GROUP OF AUTO-MOUNTED
MACHINE GUNS AND AUTO-MOUNTED 37 MM. GUNS—Continued.
*	On the reserve truck. Quantity. Weight.	Work truck.	Light truck.	Liaison wagon.	Motor- cycle.
Ammunition.
Cartridges in belts for St. Eti- enne marhinA gun .....	...	2 by 1,050
Gasoline and lubricating oils	
In the reservoirs			XrltCTa. 60
In reserve on the cars			10
Tn reserve on the trucks				/	100
Miscellaneous material.	I	50
Angle-iron beams for crossing obstacles			2
Ropes, tackle, tow lines		
Reserve tools: Spades				2
Pickaxes		2
Axes		2
Saw (two-hand)		1
Baggage			
Men and equipment		3
Kilos. 80 60 10 120 70 180 50 	50 1,500 300				
	Liters. 60 10	Liters. 60 20	Liters. 60 20	Liters. 10
				
				
				
				
				
				
i Gasoline for 400 kilograms at rate of 30 liters for 100 kilograms for each of 19 cars
and 5 trucks. Lubricating oil all vehicles for 400 kilograms and for operation and
care of all machine guns and 37 mm. guns.
101862 е—17------10

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION
IN THE
LEWIS GUN
Issued by the British General Staff, May, 1917
147

INDEX
Page.
1.	General description_______________________________  151
2.	Stripping------------------------------------------ 158
Stripping various components_______________________ 159
3.	Mechanism__________________________________________ 160
4.	Points before, during, and after firing____________ 162
5.	Instructions for cleaning__________________________ 163
6.	Examination of the gun_____________________________ 165
7.	Stoppages__________________________________________ 166
8.	Additional*notes on stoppages______________________ 167
Setting up stoppages------------------------------- 170
9.	Elementary drill___________________________________ 170
10.	Tests of elementary training______________________ 172
11.	Notes	on range work_______________________________ 172
Appendix	I	 174
Appendix	II	 178
Appendix	III	 179
During hours of instruction, except at the actual firing point
on the range, live ammunition iflust never be brought near the
Lewis gun. Thus, in time allotted to filling magazines, the guns
must be removed from the squads.
Two kinds of dummy cartridges are issued by ordnance for
instructional purposes:
(1)	Wooden dummies to show the movement of the am-
munition inside the gun, action of feed mechanism, stoppages,
etc.
(2)	Metal dummies, for use as tools in stripping.
The authority for the issue of these dummies is G. R. O.
2065, dated July 1, 1917.
149

METHOD OF INSTRUCTION IN THE LEWIS GUN.
Section 1.
general description.
Name: Lewis gun; .303 Inch; gas operated and air cooled.
Weight: Gun, 26 pounds. Magazine, empty, 1| pounds; full,
4| pounds. Bipod mounting, 2 pounds.
The gun is worked by two forces: (a) The force of the gas;
(b) the return spring.
Explain briefly: (a) How gun is loaded and fed; (5) how
gun is fired; (c) how gas operates piston and moving portions;
(d) how return spring operates piston and bolt; (e) how gun
is cooled.
Note.—Do not talk too much about things that can not be
seen. Wait for these until gun is stripped.
The gun is divided into two portions: (1) The stationary
portions; (2) the moving portions.
The stationary portions consist of (a) the barrel group, (&)
the body group.
(a)	The barrel group consists of—
(1)	The barrel.—Caliber, .303 inch; number of grooves, 4;
twist of rifling, right handed.
Note.—For purpose of demonstration the spare barrel should
be shown.
It is threaded at the muzzle to take the barrel mouthpiece,
which has a left-handed thread to prevent it from working loose
or being detached from the barrel during the firing.
A gas vent is bored in it 4 inches from the muzzle to allow
the gas to pass into the gas cylinder. A square thread is cut
at the rear end for attachment to the body.
A stud in front of the square thread fits in a slot in the
radiator, insuring the gas vent being in position to receive the
gas chamber.
At the rear end of the barrel is a projection which coincides
with the cut-away portion of the bolt face when the bolt is
151
152	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
closed; the rim of a cartridge bears against it in order to give
room for the extractor to clip over the rim.
The upper part of the entrance to the chamber is grooved
to direct the nose of the bullet downward.
(2)	The radiator is of aluminum, is split longitudinally, and
sprung onto the barrel.
It assists in dissipating the heat of the barrel. A recess for
the gas chamber is provided at the forward end, and a fiat which
corresponds with one on the radiator casing is made at the rear
end to assist in alignment.
(3)	The radiator casing consists of front and rear portions
which are connected by a clamp ring. The rear portion has a
hole cut in it to allow the entrance of the gas regulator.
A fiat is provided at the rear end to correspond with the flat
on the radiator, and the rear face is drilled to admit the barrel
and gas cylinder, and also the body locking pin.
The front portion is tapered and extends beyond the barrel
mouthpiece.
On both portions are slots to take the stud on the clamp ring.
The clamp ring is turned up at both ends to form a foresight
protector, and the inner portion on right side forms the fore-
sight block, and is dovetailed to receive the foresight. It is
held in position by the clamp-ring screw.
(4)	The Mark I gas chamber screws into the barrel band
which fits around the barrel, and fits into a recess in the barrel,
which is cut around the gas vent.
The rear face of the gas chamber is threaded to receive the
gas cyclinder and tapped for the gas regulator, and has wings
which the spanner grips when screwing up.
(5)	The gas regulator has a large and a small hole marked
“ L ” and “ S,” either of which can be placed opposite the hole in
the rear face of the gas chamber.
It is operated and held in position by means of the gas regu-
lator key, for which a recess is cut in the gas regulator.
The key is held in position by a stud on the rear end, which
enters a recess in the rear radiating casing. A loop is provided
at the rear end of the key, which enables the point of a bullet
to be used to spring the key out of the recess.
(6)	The gas cylinder is shaped at the rear end to admit the
rack on the piston rod. Its forward end screws on to the gas
chamber.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
158
Note.—Great care should be taken to guard the threads from
injury, and to prevent the flattened portion from being damaged
by the rack in stripping.
When guns are fitted with the Mark II gas chamber and gas
cylinder, substitute the following for paragraphs (4) and (6)
above:
The Mark II gas chamber embodies a ring which fits round
the barrel and takes the place of the barrel band in the Mark
I pattern. Its rear end is threaded to take the gas cylinder.
It is threaded internally to take the screwed plug. The latter
has a left-hand thread, is arranged to take the barrel mouth-
piece spanner and has eight holes drilled through the cylin-
drical portion. It is threaded internally to take the gas regu-
lator. On its upper surface is a nipple which passes up through
the ring and seats in the vent hole in the barrel. The plug
is kept in position by a keeper screw and the holes in it and
the recesses for the barrel mouthpiece spanner are so arranged
that when the keeper screw is in one of the recesses one of the
holes is opposite the gas cylinder.
(b)	The body group consists of:
(1)	The body, which is threaded to screw on to the barrel, is
drilled to take the body-locking pin, and a groove is cut through
which the pin is operated when stripping.
Bottom.—Underneath the body is a pin, on to which the pinion
casing hooks, and openings are cut to allow the pinion, plunger,
and sear to enter.
Grooves are also made to take the pistol grip, and the lower
projection of the butt cap.
Sides.—On either side of the gun is an opening in which the
shank of the cocking handle can travel. Over each opening is a
sliding plate with two recesses and thumbpiece, as safety catch
and dust protector. On the right side is the ejector opening.
Top.—The body carries on top the magazine post, which is
hollowed and countersunk to actuate the magazine catch when
placed in position with a key on the exterior, to prevent the cen-
ter block of the magazine from rotating.
The top of the body is slotted throughout the greater part of
its length, the front part of the slot taking the shape of a car-
tridge, while the rear portion fits the boss on the feed arm
actuating stud.
Near the front end of the cartridge-shaped slot, on its left,
is a small groove which coincides with a depression in front
154	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
portion of the feed arm. Near the rear end of the cartridge-
shaped slot are two projections which keep the cartridge in
position until the bullet enters the chamber. At the rear end,
on the right side, is a groove into which fits the rim of the
cartridge.
The ejector seating lies on the left side of the slot, and is closed
by a spring cover, and a hole is drilled in the body, into which
the stud on the ejector fits, and on which it pivots.
A groove is cut at the rear end of the body, into which the
stud on the tail end of the feed arm moves.
Projections are provided to lock the body cover.
Interior.—Inside the body are drilled the bolt way and the
piston way.
The bolt way has four grooves in the form of a cross which
admit the lugs on the bolt and the feed arm actuating stud.
Recesses are provided at the forward end of the bolt way in
which the locking lugs on the rear end of the bolt lie when the
bolt is closed. Near the rear end of the bolt way are recesses
in which the interrupted flanges of the butt cap engages.
On the left of the bolt way slots are cut to allow the ends of the
ejector to project alternately into the bolt way.
The piston way is fiat-bottomed to take the rack.
(2)	The body cover fits on top of the body.
The projecting tongue at the front end has underneath it a
seating for the cartridge guide spring. Underneath are the
axis studs for the stop pawls.
Projections to engage under the projections on the body are
provided at the sides. Fixed to the top by a screw is the
tangent-sight bed.
The tangent-sight leaf is hinged to it and held in position by
the tangent-sight spring.
The tangent-sight slide is of the aperture pattern, and is actu-
ated by the elevating screw, which is operated by a milled head
with a nib and spring.
The cartridge-guide spring (or cartridge guide) is held in po-
sition by an undercut recess and has a stud which fits in a
hole in the tongue. The left leaf is turned over; in the case of
the cartridge guide the right leaf is hinged and operated by a
fiat spring.
The stop pawls pivot on studs, the pawl on the left fitting
underneath that on the right. Its head is enlarged to bring it
on a level with the underside of the cover.
Machine gun notes no. i.	15S
The stop-pawl spring lies behind the pawls, and a stud on its
back fits in the rib behind it. Part of the left of the spring is
turned over to embrace the stop pawl.
(3)	The pinion casing is shaped to contain the pinion and
spring. At the front end is the hook, which connects it to the
body, and at the rear end is the pinion pawl; a rib on one arm of
the pawl engages in the pinion and is kept in action by a spring
bearing against the back of the arm. The other arm of the pawl
projects from the casing and is lifted by the pistol grip as the
latter is slid into position, thus disengaging the rib from the
pinion.
The casing is drilled to take the tension screw.
(4)	The pistol grip consists of a frame which is channeled
to contain the plunger, trigger, sear, and butt catch.
It extends to form the trigger guard and pistol grip. Guide
grooves to connect it with the body are cut on the. sides of the
former. At the forward end is a recess for the pinion pawl.
The plunger is a cover for the trigger spring and is slotted to
take the front end of the trigger.
The sear and trigger are both pivoted on axis pins; the jaw
on the rear end of the trigger controls the sear.
At the rear end is the butt catch, w’ith a spiral spring and
fixing pin.
(5)	The butt has on the front face the butt cap. Projections
are provided for attaching it to the body, also a recess into which
the tooth on the butt catch fits.
The moving portions consist of—
(1)	The piston rod, which is in two parts and is joined by a
loosely fitting thread, secured by a pin, to compensate for any
slight want of alignment between cylinder and body.
The head is cupped and ringed, the rings tend to make a gas-
tight joint.
Under the rear portion of the piston is a rack; behind the
rack is a bent which engages with the nose of the sear.
On top is the striker post, which is drilled for the striker,
which is secured by a fixing pin.
A slot for the shank of the cocking handle is cut in the rear
end.
(2)	The bolt has on the face a rim to support the base of the
cartridge.
Gaps for the extractor seatings are cut in the surface of the
bolt.
156
* MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
The extractors are fiat springs with a hook on the head to
engage the rim of the cartridge. They are fitted with a stud
and shoulders, which spring into a recess and a groove on the
bolt.
A slot is cut in the rim for the head of the ejector.
A cammed slot is cut into the bolt in which the striker post
travels.
There are four lugs-at the rear end to take the shock of dis-
charge, and the rear face is tapped to take the feed-arm actuat-
ing stud.
The ejector is housed in a seating on the left side of the bolt
way. It is pivoted on a stud which fits in a hole cut in the body
to receive it. Slots cut in the bolt way allow the head and tail
alternately to project into the bolt way, the ejector being oper-
ated by the bolt as it travels to and fro. The front end is the
head and the rear the tail. The rear end is bent in order to
allow the left lug of the feed-arm actuating stud to strike it as
the bolt comes to the rear. It is retained in its seating by a
spring cover.
(3)	The feed-arm actuating stud screws into the rear of the
bolt, has lugs which work in the guideways and prevent it from
turning, and a boss which travels in the long slot in the bolt
way and actuates the feed arm.
(4)	The feed arm has an axis hole which passes over the. maga-
zine post, and a recess to clear the key on the post when strip-
ping. A hinged latch secures the feed arm to the magazine post
by engaging in a cut on the front face of it.
An opening is cut to allow the cartridges to pass from the
magazine to the body; a small depression on its left acts as a
bullet stop and keeps the cartridge in position during the move-
ment of the feed arm to the left.
A tongue slightly farther in rear prevents the cartridge from
jumping up after leaving the cartridge-guide spring.
Behind this are the axis, stop and spring-retaining studs for
the feed arm pawl. The pawl has a slot in which the spring lies,
and underneath is a recess for the stop stud and a stud for the
loop on the spring.
The tail of the feed arm is curved and grooved underneath to
receive the boss on the feed-arm actuating stud.
At the end of the tail is a stud which engages with the top
lug of the bolt when the latter reaches its limit of movement
to the rear, thus holding the feed arm in position until the boss
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
157
on the feed-arm actuating stud again enters the groove in the
tail of the feed arm.
(5)	The pinion is bored to admit the tension screw, and has
an internal recess to correspond with a projection on the spring
casing, to lock the two parts.
The hub is threaded for the tension screw, and is slotted to
take one end of the return spring, which is coiled inside the
spring casing and attached to it by two studs.
THE MAGAZINE.
The magazine, which holds 47 rounds, is a circular pan with
rectangular indentations on the rim, inside which are riveted
plates to hold the bases of the cartridges. A ring carrying 25
separating pegs is riveted over a hole which is cut out of the
center of the pan. The pegs and indentations hold the cartridges
in position and force them around when the pan is rotated.
Twenty-five recesses for the nib on the magazine catch are
provided inside the ring and pan. A steel disk covers the central
hole and has a channel cut in it for the magazine catch, which
has a hook with sloping head and a projection to engage below
the cone on the magazine post.
A spring (magazine catch spring) lies in the channel and keeps
the nib pressed into one of the recesses in the ring and pan.
A center block with a spiral channel in which the bullet ends
of the cartridges lie, is riveted to the center disk and keeps the
magazine catch in position in the channel.
In the center is the hole for the magazine post, and a keyway
is cut to fit the key on the magazine post. The magazine catch
locks the center block to the pan and prevents it from rotating
when not in position.
To fill by hand:
1.	Place the magazine bottom upward on a flat surface.
2.	Insert the loading handle and rotate the center block or
pan, placing the cartridges horizontally in succession between
the separating pegs in such a way that the lip of the bullet
groove engages them and leads them to place.
3.	Care should be taken not to leave an empty space.
Note.—When no loading handle is available, the nose of a
bullet, or a charger, may be used as a substitute; it is a help to
place a cartridge vertically in one of the holes of the center
block of the magazine.
158	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
Section 2.
STRIPPING.
Special dummy cartridges with steel bullets are issued for
use in stripping. Live rounds must never be used for instruc-
tional purposes. Many accidents have been caused by this
practice.
With the exception of the gas chamber and the barrel mouth-
piece, for which a spanner has to be used, and the clamp ring,
which is taken off with the gas regulator key, the whole of the
gun can be stripped by means of the nose of a bullet.
To strip the gun—
1.	With cocking handle in the forward position, lift the
butt catch and remove the butt stock by turning it one-eighth
turn to the left.
2.	Press the trigger and withdraw the pistol grip to the rear.
3.	Pull back the cocking handle to its fullest extent and with-
draw it.
4.	Remove bolt and piston rod.
5.	With the feed arm over to the right, pull back the body
cover and lift it off.
6.	Unhook the pinion casing.
7.	Open the latch, turn the keyway until opposite the key on
the magazine post and lift off the feed arm, taking care not to
strain it in doing so.
8.	Take out the body locking pin and unscrew the body from
the barrel.
CARE MUST NOW BE TAKEN TO PREVENT DAMAGE TO THE PROJEC-
TIONS ON BARREL.
9.	Lift key out of hole in radiator and unscrew the gas regu-
lator.
10.	Unscrew the clamp ring and remove the front radiator
casing, sliding the rear part of the casing off to the rear.
11.	Insert the piston to form a wrench, and unscrew the gas
cylinder. Care should be taken to insert the piston rod suffi-
ciently far to prevent damage to the rear end of the cylinder.
12.	With the spanner unscrew the barrel mouthpiece to the
right.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
159
THE FOLLOWING PARTS SHOULD BE STRIPPED AS SELDOM AS POSSIBLE.
13.	With the spanner unscrew the gas chamber (or screwed
plug).
14.	Heat the radiator with hot water, drift out the barrel to
the rear with a piece of wood, and remove the band or gas
chamber.
REASSEMBLE IN THE REVERSE ORDER.
Note.—(1) See that the feed arm is over to the right before
replacing the body cover, and to the left when replacing the bolt.
(2) See that feed-arm actuating stud is screwed up. (3) See
that cocking handle is right home and forward before replacing
pistol grip. (4) See that barrel band is right way on before
replacing barrel. A letter “ F ” indicates the front of the band.
STRIPPING VARIOUS COMPONENTS.
1.	To remove an extractor, raise the hook until the stud is
clear of the recess in the bolt and push the extractor out, care
being taken not to strain it by lifting it more than is necessary.
2.	To remove the stop pawls, force the stud on the pawls
spring out of its seating and lift the pawls off their studs. Note
that the studs and pawls are marked 1 and 2, so as to Insure
their being reassembled in the right order.
3.	To remove the cartridge guide spring, press the stud down
and slide the spring out.
4.	Raise the rear end of the ejector cover and slide it to the
rear to remove the ejector.
5.	To remove return spring, press up the arm of the pinion
pawl to release the spring. Unscrew the tension screw.1 Allow
the pinion to drop out of its casing. With the point of a bullet
press on the hub and push the spring casing out of the pinion.
THE FOLLOWING SHOULD ONLY BE CARRIED OUT WHEN NECESSARY.
6.	To remove the sear, press out axis pin, and to remove trig-
ger, plunger, or spring, press out trigger axis pin.
1 If the spring is broken, in order to remove the tension screw it may
be nesessary to release the pinion pawl and unwind the return spring,
at the same time tapping the tuU of the tension screw.
160	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
7.	To remove pinion pawl, push out the axis pin.
8.	The foresight can be driven out of its bed with a punch
through the holes in the foresight protector.
9.	To remove the tangent sight bed and tangent sight, unscrew
the fixing screw.
Note.—(1) After the first few times, stripping should be prac-
ticed in a sitting or lying position; (2) when replacing damaged
parts, the gun should be stripped as little as possible; (3) it
may be necessary to move the cocking handle slightly when
raising the pinion casing into position before the rack will
engage with the pinion.
Section 3.
mechanism.
To demonstrate the working of the mechanism, dummy rounds
with wooden bullets should be used. To prevent accidents, live
ammunition must never be brought near the gun during instruc-
tion.
Sequence of instruction:
1.	Show how to load.
2.	Show how to fire.
3.	Action of the gas on the moving portions.
4.	Action of the return spring.
5.	Single shots and continuous fire.
6.	How to unload.
(1)	Show how to put on the magazine and load.
Note.—Show each action as it takes place. Dummies should
always be used. The magazine may be removed after the first
cartridge has dropped to show the action more clearly.
(2)	Show that—
(a)	On pressing the trigger the gun fires and continues to
fire until the pressure is released.
(b)	On releasing the trigger the gun stops in a fully cocked
position, with a live round under the cartridge guide spring.
(3)	Show that—
When the powder gases expand through the gas vent into the
gas chamber and pass through the hole in the gas regulator:
(a) The piston is forced back, and the rack on its underside,
rotating the pinion, winds up the return spring and the bent
passes over the nose of the sear.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
161
(&) The striker post bearing against the cammed slot in the
bolt (after the first lj inches of travel) rotates the bolt and frees
the locking lugs from the recesses in the body, and the rear
part of it bears against the cammed slot, forcing the bolt back
till the piston and bolt are back to their full extent.
(c)	The bolt, by means of the extractors, withdraws an empty
case from the chamber, and in its backward travel pushes the
tail of the ejector out of the bolt way, and the head, swinging into
the bolt way, ejects the empty case.
(d)	The boss on the feed-arm actuating stud carries the feed
arm over to the left, and the feed-arm pawl, which is bearing
against a projection on the magazine, carries the pan around
with it.
(e)	A cartridge is forced down the slope of the center block.
When the bullet end is clear of the lip it is forced through the
cartridge opening in the feed arm onto the top of the body, the
tongue on the body cover insuring this action.
It is carried to the left by the indentations and separating
pegs of the magazine, and forced under the cartridge guide
spring (or cartridge guide), aided by the right side of the
cartridge opening in the feed arm.
(/) The spring retaining stud of the feed-arm pawl, moving
to the left, releases the right pawl, allowing the latter to engage
in front of the projections on the magazine and preventing it
rotating too far; the left pawl is pressed back by one of the
projections on the magazine as it moves to the left, and then
comes forward again to prevent any rotation in the opposite
direction.
4.	Show that—
(a)	Pressing the trigger disengages the sear from the bent,
and the unwinding of the return spring rotates the pinion, forc-
ing the piston rod forward by means of the rack.
(b)	The striker post, unable to rotate the bolt owing to the
lugs being in the guide grooves, carries the bolt forward.
(c)	The feed-arm actuating stud is carried forward with
the bolt, and the boss carries the feed arm over to the right;
the feed-arm pawl passes over a projection on the magazine and
engages behind it; the spring retaining stud presses the right
pawl out of the path of the magazine, the left pawl prevents
the magazine from slipping back.
(d)	The top extractor during the forward movement of the
bolt meets the cartridge and pushes it into the chamber, the
101862 е—17----------11
162
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
cartridge stop and the small depression stop on the feed arm
controlling it during the movement. The front of the bolt pushes
the head of the ejector out of the bolt way and the tail swings in.
The extractors spring over the rim of the cartridge as it goes
home into the chamber, and the bolt, which is now fully forward,
is able to turn, the lugs being clear of the grooves.
(e)	The striker post now rotates the bolt and turns the lock-
ing lugs into the recesses in the bolt way; the striker, passing
through the face of the bolt, hits the cap and explodes the
charge.
(5)	Show that—
(a) If the trigger is instantaneously released after pressing
it, single, or at times two, shots will be fired according to the
rapidity with which the sear rises and engages with the bent.
(&)	If pressure is maintained the gun will fire until the
magazine is empty.
Note.—The action of the feed can be more clearly shown as
follows:
Hold the loading handle vertically in the hand and place over
it the spare feed arm. This will represent the magazine post
of the gun with its feed arm. Then place on the handle a maga-
zine, in which is a dummy cartridge, and show action.
Section 4.
POINTS BEFORE, DURING, AND AFTER FIRING.
Points before firing:
(1)	Remove oil from the bore.
(2)	Oil all frictional parts behind the body locking pin.
(3)	Weigh return spring (13 to 14 lbs.) with cocking handle
in the forward position at the moment when the cocking handle
begins to move.
(4)	Test the feed mechanism.
(5)	Examine magazines and ammunition while filling.
(6)	Examine spare parts.
(7)	See that the barrel mouthpiece is tightly screwed up.
To Increase the tension of the return spring (after withdraw-
ing the pistol grip sufficiently to allow the pinion pawl to engage
in the pinion), press up the pinion casing with the left hand, in
order to keep the pinion engaged with the rack, and draw back
the cocking handle. Allow the pinion casing to drop so that the
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	163
pinion is not engaged with the rack, and push the cocking handle
forward.
To decrease the tension of the return spring, allow the pinion
casing to drop so as to disengage the pinion from the rack,
draw back the cocking handle, press the pinion casing up to
engage the pinion with the rack, and disengage the pinion pawl
from the pinion to allow the piston rod to fly forward.
Reassemble and weigh as before.
Points during firing:
(1)	Replace empty magazines in cases.
(2)	Oil bolt and striker post, and also magazine post.
(3)	Weigh return spring.
(4)	Turn gas regulator slightly to prevent seizing of the
threads in the gas chamber.
(5)	Replace partially used magazines.
(6)	Send empty magazines back for refilling.
(7)	See that clamp ring is screwed tight.
Points after firing:
(1) Unload and press trigger, to ease the return spring.
(2) OH the bore.
On return to billets:
(1)	Strip gun and clean thoroughly.
(2)	Carry out any necessary repairs.
(3)	Wash, dry, and oil dirty magazines.
(4)	Examine barrel for metallic fouling and remove as in
section 5.
(5)	Lower the tension of the return spring to zero.
Section 5.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR CLEANING.
When ball‘ammunition has been fired, daily cleaning of the
barrel is necessary for at least 10 days afterwards. Subsequent
cleaning must depend on the discretion of the officer in charge
of the gun; but in situations where the barrel is exposed to a
moist atmosphere it must be carried out daily.
The gas chamber, cylinder, regulator, and piston rod must
be cleaned with the same frequency as the barrel. In order to
avoid loosening of the joint between the gas chamber and the
barrel by constant stripping, it must not be removed, but will
be cleaned while in position on the barrel.
164	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
After cleaning, all parts must be left lightly coated with oil.
To clean the barrel.—Pull the cocking handle back till the
sear engages. Place a piece of flannelette about 4 inches by 1$
inches in eye of the cleaning rod, taking care to surround the
metal of the cleaning rod with the flannelette, which must be
well oiled. Insert the rod into the muzzle and pass it up and
down the bore till all fouling has been removed. Replace the
oily flannelette with dry pieces, and Anally pass freshly oiled
pieces through, leaving the barrel well oiled. If the flannelette
is tight and is pushed through the breech, it is necessary to
reverse it before pulling it back, otherwise it will jamb.
If the chamber has not been properly cleaned by the above
process, remove the butt, body cover, pistol grip, piston rod, and
bolt. Place a larger piece of flannelette in the front eye of the
cleaning rod, insert the rod from the breech end and clean the
chamber first with oiled and then with dry flannelette.
To use the double pull-through.—If rust or metallic fouling
is present in the barrel, remove the parts of the gun described
in the preceding paragraph. Thoroughly oil the gauze on the
pull-through and drop the weight through the bore from the
breech. Care should be taken to pull the pull-through through
the bore in line with its axis. Continue the motion until the
rust or fouling is loosened. The barrel can now be cleaned
with the cleaning rod and flannelette as already described.
When the gauze fits too loosely to clean the grooves of the rifling
its diameter can be increased by inserting under each side nar-
row strips of flannelette or paper. When the gauze is worn out,
it should be replaced by one of the spare pieces which are issued
with each double pull-through.
To clean the gas cylinder.—Joint up the cylinder cleaning rod
and screw on, the wire brush. Insert the rod into the gas cyl-
inder and work it backwards and forwards a few times. Then
remove the wire brush, replace it with the mop and clean the
cylinder. When there is not time to remove the cylinder for
cleaning, the foregoing operations can be carried out by remov-
ing the bolt and piston rod and inserting the cylinder cleaning
rod through the piston rod hole.
To clean the mechanism.—A mixture of equal parts of Russian
petroleum and paraffin should be used. If any parts are clogged
with dried oil, spirits of turpentine should be used to remove it.
After cleaning each part it should be thoroughly dried and
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	165
slightly oiled with Russian petroleum. Very little oil should
be used for this purpose, as it is apt to catch the dust and clog.
A little oil should be applied to the magazine catch and around
the exterior of the center disk.
The exterior of the gun and the exterior and interior of the
magazine should be rubbed over with a slightly oiled rag. Any
excess of oil in the interior of the magazine is likely to be carried
into the chamber.
Protection during gas attack.—The gun must be kept carefully
cleaned and well oiled with mineral oil. The effects of corro-
sion of ammunition are even more serious than the direct effects
of gas upon the gun. Magazines should be kept in some form
of box, the joints of which can be made gas tight by inserting
strips of flannelette.
Occasional short bursts of fire will lessen the chance of guns
jamming from the action of gas during a gas attack.
After a gas attack, the gun must be cleaned and reoiled at
once; and at the first available opportunity it should be stripped
and all working parts cleaned in boiling water containing a
little soda.
Section 6.
EXAMINATION OF GUN.
It is most important that any signs of wear, friction, or play
should be at once reported to armourers for adjustment and
repair.
Examine.
Barrel.—Condition of bore, rifling and lead, for metallic
fouling or erosion. Projections on rear face and thread on
muzzle for damage.
Pinion and casing.—Teeth for breakage, pawl and spring for
dirt, thick oil, or weakness.
Return spring for breakage.
Ejector for roughness.
Feed arm.—Latch for weakness, axis hole for play on maga-
zine post, thin portion of arm for bending or strain, stud and
groove for wear, top of feed arm for friction against ribs on body
cover. Pawl for wear and spring for weakness.
166	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
Body cover pawls and spring for damage, and cartridge guide
spring for correct assembling.
Piston rod.—Joint for excessive play, rack and striker post
for damage or wear, piston head for erosion or carbon deposit.
Bolt.—Cammed slot for wear or roughness, studs on extractors
and face of bolt for corrosion or rust. Lug on left of feed-arm
actuating stud for wear or roughness.
Trigger guard for lateral play in grooves, sear for wear, and
plunger for thick oil and dirt.
Gas regulator for erosion and carbon deposit.
Gas cylinder for erosion and carbon deposit.
Gas chamber for erosion and carbon deposit.
Clamp ring.—Screw for wear and ring for tightness on radia-
tor casing.
Tangent sight leaf.—Elevating screw and slide for damage
and spring for weakness.
Body for play at each end and wear.
Pinion hinge and see pin is straight.
Butt-cap for marking by piston during recoil and for play.
Magazines.—Rims for damage and pan for distortion, by
rotating on loading handle.
Section 7.
STOPPAGES.
Position of cock- ; ing handle. |	Immediate action.	Secondary action. | 1	1	> П- 1	Cause.
I. In forward po- sition.	Rotate maga- zine, pull back cocking handle, and carry on.			Misfire due to defective round.
		If the gun still will not fire, remove the magazine, pull back the cocking handle, and examine the ejected round.	Ejected round is untouched. Ejected round is marked by striker. Empty case is ejected. No round ejected.	Broken striker. Bad ammiini- tion. No gas. Broken feed pawl or spring or damaged magazine.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
167
stoppages—continued.
Position of cock-
ing handle.
Immediate
action.
Secondary
action.
Cause.
II. Over thumb-
piece.
Pull back cock-
ing handle,
using lan-
yard if nec-
essary, and
carry on.
Hard extrac-
tion.
Lack of oil or
Carbon in gas
vent, regula-
tor, cylinder,
or piston.
Remove maga-
z i n e—о i 1
gun—t urn
gas regulator
and examine
moving parts
for bright-
ness.
Defective part
in gun.
Return spring
the wrong
weight.
III. Rebind the
thumbpiece on
safety catch.
Pull back cock-
ing handle
and carry
on.
Pull back cock-
catch, and re-
move maga-
zine. Ex-
amine cart-
ridge slot,
e j e c t i on
opening, and
for broken
с a r t r i dge
guide spring.
One cartridge
is half under
cartridge
guide spring,
pull it Lack
and carry
on.
It occurs
again.
One cartridge
is in cart-
ridge slot
and one in
e j e c t i о n
opening.
One cartridge
in chamber
and one in
ejection
opening.
cart-
Weak ________
ridge guide
spring.
Broken ejec-
tor.
Broken extrac-
tor.
Section 8.
ADDITIONAL NOTES ON STOPPAGES.
1.	Return spring.—A very weak or broken return spring may
give a stoppage in any position. It is easily recognized by the
lack of weight on the cocking handle when performing immedi-
ate action. When the spring is weak, the gun may stop in No. 1
position; when it is broken, the gun will probably stop in No. 3
position.
2.	A method of removing a round, which has passed under the
tongue when there is an empty case in the chamber, if the clear-
ing plug is not available.
168	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
(a)	Draw back the cocking handle and raise the safety catch.
(b)	Take a live round in the right hand, with the point of
its bullet draw back and depress the base of the round under
the tongue.
(c)	Seize the bullet of the latter round in the left hand,
draw it forward, and place the round held in the right hand,
bullet downward, behind its base.
(d)	Lower the safety catch, hold the cocking handle in the
right hand, press the trigger with the left hand, and allow the
cocking handle to move slightly forward in order to bring the
feed arm over to the right.
(e)	It will now be possible to pull forward to the right front
the round which was caught under the tongue.
3.	Friction, fouling, etc.—In very bad cases the gun may stop
in No. 1 position, owing to friction in the gas cylinder or other
working parts of the gun, also owing to the gas regulator or
gas chamber being fouled.
Prevention of recurrence—Clean the breech, cylinder, and
piston head, also remove gas regulator and fire one shot to clean
out gas vent.
4.	Gas regulator key missing.—This may give either No. 1
or No. 2 position, according to the amount the gas regulator
has turned. As a remedy, a piece of wood may be inserted and
tied to the radiator casing.
5.	Hard extraction.—
(a)	If, in addition to hard extraction, there is friction in
the working parts, or the gas regulator and gas chamber are
fouled, the cocking handle may remain in No. 1 position. The
gun will then have to be stripped and cleaned.
(b)	If it stops in No. 2 position with an empty case in the
chamber, the extractor having jumped or the rim being torn,
the usual remedy will fail and a No. 3 stoppage will result.
(c)	It is possible that, owing to hard extraction, an empty
case may be left in the chamber or bolt way and the bolt
may pass behind the base of the next round, causing the gun to
stop in No. 3 position.
Prevention of recurrence: Clean the chamber.
6.	Magazines, damaged or broken—
(a)	If the magazine rim is bent, or the projections are worn,
the feed arm pawl will not rotate the magazine.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	169
(b)	If the magazine is bent the stop pawl will not engage in
front of a projection, a No. 3 stoppage will result, owing to too
many cartridges having fallen down.
(c)	If the rim is broken so that the cartridge is not able to
leave the magazine, a No. 3 stoppage will probably result.
7.	Piston rod, broken.—The gun may fire for a considerable
time with this breakage. Eventually it will fire erratically, and
finally stop, owing to the burring up of the broken ends.
8.	Rebound pawl, worn or broken.— Gun will probably fire
single shots, stopping in No. 1 position.
9.	Striker or striker post, broken.—The mechanism may jamb
in any position.
10.	Stop pawl and spring.—If the stop pawl or its spring are
worn, a No. 3 position may occur. If it is broken, gun will
probably stop in No. 1 position, and cocking, handle can not be
drawn back more than 2 or 3 inches.
11.	Bulged rounds and separated cases.—These occur so
rarely that it is only necessary to set them up once for instruc-
tional purposes. They usually give a position “ in front of
trigger,” but a badly bulged round may cause a fault in feed
(No. 3 position). Bulged rounds are cleared by means of a
lanygrd placed on the cocking handle. Separated cases cleared
by means of a clearing plug. If no clearing plug is available,
reload and press trigger—the obstruction will probably adhere
to the next cartridge. If it does not, increase tension of return
spring and repeat.
12	Long ammunition.—If the third position occurs fre-
quently, and it can not be traced to any of the “probable
causes,” remove the magazine and examine the position of the
cartridge. If bullet is bearing against front of cartridge slot in
the body—ammunition is too long. If the front of the cartridge
slot is sloped off downward this stoppage will not occur.
13.	To avoid alteration of weight of return spring.—When
stripping to clear a stoppage, the pistol grip should be replaced
with the cocking handle in the same position as when com-
mencing to strip.
The best rule to follow is that whenever possible the cocking
handle must be forward before the pistol grip is withdrawn or
replaced.
14.	When the gun stops with the cocking handle in the for-
ward position and the magazine rotates freely, the magazine is
empty.
170
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
SETTING UP STOPPAGES.
When practicing stoppages firers should be in the prone posi-
tion, butt in the shoulder. They should try magazine and pull
back cocking handle without removing the butt from the shoul-
der, and recognize the position of the cocking handle without
looking at it.
Cause.	'	In barracks.	On range.
Misfire	 Load and press the trigger. Worn or broken striker....1 Load and press trigger but । gun still won’t fire. Worn or broken feed pawl l Remove feed pawl spring., or feed pawl spring. Damaged magazine	 Use damaged magazine....	Place dummy round in magazine. Place two dummy rounds in magazine. Remove feed pawl spring. Use damaged magazine.
Hard extraction	 Replace	an empty case i partly in chamber. Friction in gas cylinder.... Withdraw cocking handle far enough to eject an empty case, but not far enough for bolt to engage behind a fresh round.	Remove gas regulator key and turn regulator slightly.
Weak cartridge guide ; Press down nose of car- spring.	| tridge and allow bolt to go forward. Replace magazine. Broken cartridge guide Remove, or use a broken, spring.	cartridge guide spring. Broken extractors	 Load ana place an empty case in the chamber. Broken ejector	 Remove	ejector		Remove, or use a broken, cartridge guide spring. Load and place an empty case in chamber. Remove ejector.
Section 9.
Elementary drill.
During drill dummies will be used, but great care must be
taken that only those with wooden bullets are used.
Carrier containing four magazines placed on left of gun at 2
paces interval.
Command.—“ Fall in,” squad falls in in single rank, 5 paces
in front of gun.
Command.—“ Number,” as usual.
Command.—“Take post,” squad turns to right and doubles
around behind gun.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	171
No. 1. (a) Takes up position on left of gun.
(b)	Takes off cover and examines gun.
(c)	Takes magazine from No. 2 and places it on gun.
(d)	Reports “Ready.”
No. 2. (a) Takes up position on left of carrier.
(b) Examines the magazines.
(c) Hands one magazine to No. 1 and closes carrier. After
this No. 1 repeats all words of command.
On the command.—“Action, range, object”—
No. 1. (a) Adjusts the sights to the range ordered, then low-
ers leaf.
(b) Runs forward and gets into a firing position on the posi-
tion indicated.
(c) Raises leaf, rotates magazine, and pulls back cocking
handle.
No. 2. Runs forward, and when No. 1 is in position, lies down
on left of gun and takes one magazine out of carrier.
When No. 1 is ready to fire, No. 2 holds out his hand and
watches commander.
Signal.—“ Fire ”—
No. 2 touches No. 1.
No. 1 presses trigger and fires in bursts of about one second,
relaying after each burst, but allowing cocking handle to re-
main forward.
Note.—If fire is not opened within three seconds of the signal,
instructors must take steps to ascertain the reason of the delay.
Command.—“ Change.”
No. 1 grips magazine with right hand, releasing catch with
thumb.
No. 2 helps to lift off empty magazine by pressing up center
block with left hand, and puts full magazine on gun with right,
pressing it down. No. 1 passes empty magazine upside down
under gun to No. 2, pulls full magazine in the feeding direction,
and pulls back cocking handle. He then relays and continues
firing.
Signal.—“ Cease fire ”—
No. 1 (a) raises safety catch. (In drill, cocking handle must
first be pulled back.)
(&) If magazine is nearly empty, replaces with full one.
Note.—Before dropping safety catch again, pull back cocking
handle.
172	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
Signal,—“ Out of action ”—
No. 1 (a) unloads, i. e., removes magazine in the usual man-
ner, pulls back cocking handle, takes aim, and presses the trig-
ger. Then lowers leaf of back sight.
(&) Retires with gun to cover (at drill, to original position).
No. 2 (a) helps No. 1 to unload and replaces magazine in
carrier.
(b) Retires to cover with No. 1.
Note.—To save time in drill the command “ Unload ” may
sometimes be given instead of signal “ Out of action.” Nos. 1
and 2 then perform actions (a) only.
Section 10.
TESTS OF ELEMENTARY TRAINING.
(1)	“Action,” time 10 seconds. Points to be observed, sights
upright and approximately aligned. Length of run, 5 yards.
(2)	“Change magazine,” time 3 seconds. Each motion done
distinctly. New magazine rotated.
(3)	“Magazine filling by hand,” time 1 minute 15 seconds.
Section 11.
NOTES ON RANGE WORK.
1.	In cases where circumstances make it impossible to carry
out the full practices laid down in Addendum No. 2 to Musketry
Regulations, the following short practices are suggested:
Rounds.
(1)	Grouping------------------------------------------------- 6
(2)	Repetition_______________________________________________ 6
(3)	Application_____________________________________________ 12
(4)	Swing traverse__________________________________________ 20
(5)	Practical rectification of	stoppages____________________ 30
2.	Strict drill discipline	will	always be maintained on the
range.
3.	Points before, during, and after firing will always be carried
out by members of the squads, supervised by instructors.
4.	The first firer of each practice will be instructed by the
Instructor in the presence of the whole squad. That firer after-
wards instructs the next firer, supervised by the instructor.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
178
5.	Groups must be separate and distinct on the target; they
should be within the horizontal bands.
6.	No groups, or shots from the swing traverse, should be
low enough on the target to go through the figures.
7.	Conduct of practices :
(1)	Grouping.—Criticize from gun position by means of
field glasses after each group. Before the target is patched out
each group should be further criticised in the presence of the
firer at the target by the officer or N. С. O. who conducted the
practice.
(2)	Repetition.—All who fail to make a reasonable group at
the first attempt will repeat, if time permits, after the whole
squad has completed that practice. The practice will be con-
ducted as for practice (1), supervised by the staff sergeant.
(3)	Application.—The fire orders for both groups will be
given before fire is opened. Particular attention should be ild
to the time elapsing between the groups and the position of the
second group chiefly criticized. If observation of the group is
difficult, an observer with field glasses may be allowed. Criti-
cism at gun position and target will be carried out as for
practice (1).
(4)	Swing traverse.—Before commencing to fire each firer will
be given two timed practice swings. Time allowed to swing
across target, from left figure to right figure, six seconds. The
ammunition allotted will sweep about two-thirds of the target,
but the swing should be continued to the right figure. Criticism
as above.
(5)	Stoppages.—Note 5 will be adhered to also in stoppages.
The No. 2 on the gun will always be in possession of the neces-
sary spare parts, etc.
Appendix I.
List of Equipment, with Spare Parts, Tools, and Appurte-
nances, for the Lewis Gun. (War Office Letter 79/7881
(A. 3) of Aug. 5, 1916.)
WOOLWICH SECTION 16—b.
Components.
Gun, Lewis, .303 inch:
Barrel__________________________________________________ 1
Blades, foresight, high_________________________________ 1
Blades, foresight, low__________________________________ 1
Bolt (assembled, with two extractors and one feed-
arm actuating stud)------------------------------------- 1
Casting, pinion (assembled complete)____________________ 1
Cylinder, gas___________________________________________ 1
Ejector_________________________________________________ 1
Extractors______________________________________________ 4
Handle, cocking_________________________________________ 2
Head, screw, tangent sight______________________________ 1
Key, gas, regulator------------------------------------- 1
Magazines___________________________________________ 164
Pawl, feed	arm---------------------------------------- 1
Pawl, pinion____________________________________________ 1
Pawl, stop,	magazine, left----------------------------  1
Pawl, stop,	magazine,	right/___________________________ 1
Pin, axis, pawl, pinion--------------------------------- 1
Pin, axis, sear_________________________________________ 1
Pin, axis, trigger-------------------------------------- 1
Pin, fixing, head, screw, tangent sight----------------- 2
Pin, fixing, striker------------------------------------ 2
Pin, locking, body-------------------------------------- 1
Regulator, gas-------------------------------------- 1
Rod, piston, complete------------------------------- 1
1 Number of magazines per gun now reduced to 44.
174
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	175
Gun, Lewis, .303 inch—Continued.
Screw, clamp	ring________________________________ 1
Sear____________________________________________________ 1
Spring, guide, cartridge____________________________ 212
Spring, head, screw, tangent sight______________________ 2
Spring, pawl, feed arm__________________________________ 3
Spring, pawl, pinion____________________________________ 2
Spring, pawls, stop, magazine___________________________ 3
Spring, return, with retaining collar___________________ 2
Spring, trigger_________________________________________ 1
Striker------------------------------------------------- 2
Tools and appurtenances.
Gun, Lewis, .303 inch:
Brush, wire, rod, cleaning, cylinder________________ 2
Handle, loading, magazines-------------------------- 10
Handle, wood-------------------------------------------- 1
Mop, rod, cleaning cylinder----------------------------- 2
Plug, clearing________________'--------------------- 1
Rod, cleaning, cylinder--------------------------------- 1
Spanner, mouthpiece, barrel_____________________________ 2
Guns, Maxim and Lewis, .303-inch: x
Balance, spring, M. G----------------------------------- 1
Box, tin, small parts, M. G----------------------------- 1
Hammer, M. G____________________________________________ 1
Pliers, cutting, M. G----------------------------------- 1
Punch, No. 4, M. G-------------------------------------- 1
Reflector, mirror, M. G--------------------------------- 1
Rod, cleaning, M. G---------------------------------'	1
Screw driver, large, M. G------------------------------- 1
Screw driver, small, M. G_______________________________ 1
Wallet, case, spare parts box (Mark I)-------------- 1
Guns. Vickers and Lewis, .303-inch:
Can, oil------------------------------------------------ 1
WEEDON SECTIONS.
Gauze, wire, pieces----------------------------------------- 2
Pull-through, double________________________________________ 1
1 In the case of the stronger new pattern cartridge guide springs (now
in general use), the number is reduced to 6.
176
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
Complete List of Component Parts of the Lewis .303-Inch
Gun.
Arm, feed (with latch).
Band, barrel.
Barrel.
Bed, tangent sight.
Body.
Bolt.
Butt.
Cap, butt.
Casing pinion.
Casing radiator, front.
Casing radiator, rear.
Casing return spring.
Catch, butt.
Chamber, gas.
Cover body.
Cover ejector.
Cylinder, gas.
Ejector.
Extractors (2).
Fore sight
Guard, trigger (and pistol grip).
Handle, cocking.
fetead, screw, elevating tangent
sight.
Hub, return spring.
Key, gas regulator.
Latch, feed arm.
Leaf, tangent sight.
Magazine.
Mouthpiece, barrel.
Pawl, feed arm.
Pawl, pinion.
Pawl, stop, magazine, right.
Pawl, stop, magazine, left.
Pin, axis, leaf, tangent sight.
Pin, axis, pawl, pinion.
Pin, axis, sear.
Pin, axis, trigger.
Pin, fixing, rack, piston rod.
Pin, fixing, striker.
Pin, hinge, pinion casing.
Pin, keeper, butt catch.
Pin, fixing, head, screw.
Pin, tangent sight.
Pin, locking body.
Pin, split, keeper, axis pin, tan-
gent sight.
Pinion.
Plate, butt.
Plate, safety catch, right.
Plate, safety catch, left.
Plunger, spring, trigger.
Radiator.
Regulator, gas.
Ring, clamp.
Rod, piston.
Screw, bed and spring, tangent
sight.
Screw, butt plate (2).
Screw, butt cap.
Screw, clamp ring.
Screw, elevating, tangent sight.
Screw, tension, return spring.
Sear.
Sidepiece, pistol grip, right.
Sidepiece, pistol grip, left.
Slide, tangent sight.
Spring, butt catch.
Spring, cartridge guide.
Spring, head, screw, tangent
sight.
Spring, pawl, feed arm.
Spring, pawl pinion.
Spring, pawls, stop, magazine.
Spring, return.
Spring, tangent sight.
Spring, trigger.
Striker.
Stud, axis, latch, feed arm.
Stud, actuating, feed arm.
Stud, positioning, clamp ring.
Trigger.
Washer, pin, axis, tangent
sight.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
177
Additional Equipment for Lewis Guns, Authorized by
G. R. O.’s for Issue in France.
	G. R. 0.	Date.
Rimers for use with Lewis guns; issue of 1 per unit		1210	13.10.15
Pistols, Very, 1-inch		1263	17.11.15
Handles loading magazine; additional issue to complete scale of 10 per gun		1328	20.12.15
Paint for casings, Lewis guns; issue on scale of 1 pint per bat- talion		1339	27.12.15
Hyposcopes for Lewis guns; issue on scale of 1 per 2 guns		1442	3.3.16
Cover for protection of working parts		1608	30.5.16
Canvas carriers for holding magazines; 11 per gun	 Stick carborundum, triangular, f-inch, tine, for removal of sharp edges or burrs in working parts		1695	18.7.16
	1747	18.8.16
Slings, Lewis guns; issue of 1 per gun for carrying when hot.... Cartridges, dummy, wooden; cartridges, dummy, steel, 2 per gun (for instructional purposes)		1967	25.11.16
	2065	7.1.17
Equipment Authorized by G. H. Q. Letters.
	Letter.	Date.
Revolvers for Nos. 1 and 2 of Lewis gun detachments	 Number of handcarts reduced to 1 per gun»		O.B./407 O.B./896	7.7.16 15.10.16
i As soon as limbered wagons are available for Lewis guns (1 wagon per 4 guns),
the handcarts will be withdrawn.
Articles Useful to Lewis Gunners Issued to Battalions.
	Authority.	Date.
Binoculars, issued on scale of 2 prismatic and 38 ordi- nary per battalion		A. F.G. 1098/110...	
Range flinders, Barr and Stroud or Marindin, issued on scale of 5 per battalion		A. F.G. 1098/110...	
Phosphorescent night-sights, issue on scale of 64 per battalion, together with 1 yard of magnesium 'лаге (spare), per sight		G.R. 0.831		6.5.
Lamps, brazing, 1 pint, scale of issue one per battalion, for use of armorer sergeant in carrying out repairs...	G.R. O.1081		13.6.15
Lewis Gun Equipment Noted in “ Lists of Changes in War
Materiel.”
[Approved but not authorized for general issue on regular scale.]
	Number.	Date.
Gun, Lewis, washer, packing barrel, steel .005-inch, for taking up play between rear radiator casing and body in old guns		17674	1.4.16
Gun, Lewis, butt, short (approved for Bantam bat- talions)		17713	1.5.16
Box, magazines for two carriers and one handle, loading.	17739	1.6.16
Spring, guide cartridge, new pattern with spnng 1		17769	1.7.16
i This stronger pattern is now practically universal.
101862 е—17----12
Appendix II.
Instructions to Armorers for the Modification of Pinion
Casings to Facilitate Removal.
The following alteration, which can be carried out by any
armorer, enables the old pattern pinion casing to be removed
without touching the body-locking pin, and so greatly reduces
the time needed for changing a broken return spring:
On the projection of casing forming the hinge, a small semi-
circular groove will be made by filing awTay the metal at the
position shown in sketch. Only sufficient to clear the body-
locking pin should be removed.
To test if correctly modified.—When changing the casing it
should only be necessary (1) to remove butt-stock; (2) to
draw back the trigger guard slightly.
178
Lewis gun pinion casing.
Appendix III.
TRANSPORT OF LEWIS GUNS AND AMMUNITION.
As soon as four limbered G. S. wagons for transport of Lewis
guns are available for each infantry battalion, one will be
allotted to each company for Its four guns. The company wagon
will be loaded as follows:
Pounds.
4 Lewis guns, at 27 pounds_______________________________ 108
4 gun chests, at 33 pounds_______________________________ 132
4 sets spare parts, complete, at 15 pounds_______________ 60
176 magazines, filled, at pounds_________________________ 792
22 tin magazine boxes, at 8| pounds (each holding 8 maga-
zines in 2 carriers)_____________________________________ 182
9,000 rounds, S. A. A. (in boxes of 1,900 rounds, at 75
pounds)__________________________________________________ 675
Total_____________________________________________1,949
This load represents, per gun, 2,068 rounds in magazines and
2,250 rounds packed in chargers.
In addition, 2,000 rounds per gun are carried by the divisional
ammunition column.
179
180
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
[S. S. 432.]
METHODS OF LAYING MACHINE GUNS IN THE DI-
RECTION OF INVISIBLE TARGETS BY MEANS OF
MAPS, COMPASS, AND TRAVERSING DIAL.
Procedure is as follows:
(1)	Reconnoiter and select a gun position. This position must
be identifiable on the map.
(2)	From gun position select some conspicuous landmark
which is also shown on the map.
Call this landmark Reference Object (R. O.).
IN BILLETS.
(3)	Draw a line on the map—
(a) From the gun position to R. O.
(&)	From the gun position to target.
(4)	Measure the angle contained by these lines by means of
an ordinary protractor.
Note.—If it is desired to search an area draw lines from
the gun position on the map to the boundaries of the area,
and measure the angles these lines each make with the line
to the Reference Object.
ON THE GROUND.
(5)	Set up machine gun on selected position.
(6)	Aim gun at R. O. Clamp.
(7)	Align auxiliary aiming mark, such as night firing box,
on R. O.
(8)	Then, without disturbing gun, note what degree on the
traversing dial is opposite the pointer on the bracket.
(9)	Then, if the target is to the right of the Reference Object,
add the angle contained by the lines from the gun position to
the R. O. and target to the degree on the dial opposite the
pointer; if the target is to the left, subtract.
(10)	If the gun then be traversed until the pointer is oppo-
site to the degree on the dial, the number of which is the result
of the above addition or subtraction, it will be laid in the exact
direction of the target.
Example :
(a)	Without compass, when R. O. is point whose posi-
tion you know.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
181
IN BILLET.
On map mark gun position G (see diagram 1) and R. O.
(church steeple) O. Area to be searched is shown shaded in
squares В 12 C and 18 A. Draw a line G-O, and line G-L, G-R,
to boundaries of area to be searched (and others, if required,
to any points within it likely to be of interest). Measure angles
O-G-L (65°), O-G-R (75°), etc. Also measure ranges to area
and to points within it.
Note.—In order to have room to make notes on angles
of elevation, bearing, etc., it is convenient to enlarge the
area to be searched. For this purpose an enlarging block
is provided (see diagram 2). The enlargement should be
made by the usual method of squares, as shozon in inset
to diagram 1. Divide area to be enlarged into squares
(the example shows 100 yard squares), number the lines,
and number those on the enlarging block similarly. Then,
by careful drawing and measuring, enlarge the area on
the enlarging block. If the position of the rays 177° and
187° is carefully measured off on the enlargement, then,
by dividing up the distance between them on the E. and W.
margins, you can set off the intervening rays accurately.
On these rays enter angles of elevation for various ranges,
having allowed for angle of sight.
ON GROUND.
Set up gun conveniently for firing at target. Aim at R. O.
and note reading on dial, say 112°. Add to this reading the
angles 65°, 75°, etc., already measured to G-L, G-R. (Result,
177°, 187°.) Write these readings down on the lines on your
enlargement. Then if you set gun on any of these readings it
will be directed on to L, R, etc.
(b)	With compass:
If there is no point available as R. O. which you can identify
on map, you must fix direction of one on the ground by com-
pass. Take any convenient mark (a house, tree, etc.), or put
one up. Take its bearing (53°) carefully with your prismatic
compass, doing this from gun position before gun is there, and
taking care that there is no iron near you or on your body.
On map draw a line G-M, making angle 12£° to the W. of
red grid lines. This shows magnetic north. Then from G-M
measure off the compass bearing (53°) of the R. O., and mark
this line G-O. (On map it is shown O2 to distinguish from the
other O.) After that proceed exactly as before, i. e., measure
angles Ог-G-L, O2-G-R, etc.

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I

SOME NOTES
ON
LEWIS GUNS and MACHINE GUNS
Issued by the British General Staff, September, 1916
183

SOME NOTES ON LEWIS GUNS AND MACHINE
GUNS.
I.	PRINCIPLES OF EMPLOYMENT.
1.	Now that two Lewis guns are added to the equipment of
each company, any officer may find himself in command of this
new weapon, and he should therefore have some notion of the
best use to which it can be put.
These notes are designed to help officers in this. A good many
of the remarks may be platitudes to the more experienced officers,
but I know that many have had little opportunity of studying
any form of machine gun.
2.	The principles of machine guns in their simplest form neces-
sarily come into such a subject, and I have dealt with them at
some length for three reasons:
(1)	A Lewis gun is a form of machine gun and takes over
some of the work previously done by Maxim and
Vickers guns. Some of this work they do as well as
a Vickers, some better, some worse. An officer com-
manding a Lewis gun ought to know what work is
best left to a machine gun and what he can take on
better himself.
(2)	Machine guns work so closely with infantry that much
misunderstanding can be removed if the infantry
officers know something of the principles on which
they are used.
(3)	One of the main jobs of Lewis guns is knocking out
enemy machine guns. And to hunt anything suc-
cessfully you must know its'habits.
II.	CHARACTERISTICS OF LEWIS GUNS AND
MACHINE GUNS.
1.	Lewis guns share with machine guns the following charac-
teristics :
(i)	They can at any moment open a heavy concentrated
fire, and the volume of fire is not decreased till more
than 66 per cent of the team become casualties.
(In a company every casualty sustained lessens the
volume of fire.)
185
186	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
(ii)	They can give a maximum volume of fire from a mini-
mum of front.
(For a short burst the fire of a Lewis gun equals that
of about 20-30 rifles, and it can be fired from a
single loop-hole or, in the open, from a frontage of
two men.)
(iii)	Fire control is easy, since all the firing is done by
one man.
2.	Lewis guns differ from machine guns as follows:
(i)	They are cooled by air and not by water. They there-
fore get hot much sooner and will be red hot if 700
or 800 rounds are fired rapidly. If more are fired,
they may burst. Company officers, therefore, if
requiring only one gun, should use both alternately.
Again, if one company has a hot time while another
has nothing to do, the latter should be prepared
temporarily to exchange guns with the former.
(ii)	They are more open, and therefore more exposed to
dust, wet, and mud than machine guns. They also
contain a greater number of easily broken parts.
(iii)	The magazines are more easily damaged than the
belts of machine guns. If a full one is dropped on
hard ground, it will probably be so dented that it
will not fit the gun. The bulk of the magazines
therefore must be carried in boxes sufficiently strong
to protect them, and these are very heavy.
(845 rounds in the boxes issued to us weigh 102
pounds, while a box of 1,000 rounds of S. A. am-
munition in bandoliers only weighs 75 pounds more.
Boxes carrying 1,000 rounds of machine-gun ammu-
nition in belts weigh 78 pounds.)
(iv)	The main advantage claimed for Lewis guns over
machine guns is that, needing no water, they are
lighter and so more mobile.
But company officers must remember that the mobility of a
gun depends largely upon the mobility of its ammunition. They
must therefore be prepared to provide men to lend a hand with
the heavy magazine boxes in case of a long, rapid advance or of
casualties among the section carriers.
3.	To sum up, a Lewis gun is rather like that inevitable starter
in the Grand National about which all the prophets say that “ it
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
187
will win if It stands up.” That generally means that it hasn’t a
chance unless it has a first-rate training with a real good jockey.
In the same way stoppages and breakages in a Lewis gun can
only be prevented and minimized by having real good men, who
will keep their guns in order and use them properly. Company
officers, in selecting men, should imagine that they have a new
motor car and wish to choose one of their men to be trained as
chauffeur. A Lewis gun is a more delicate piece of mechanism
than a motor car and needs more constant attention. A rough,
stupid man can put it out of action for a long time in cleaning it,
and a careless, irresponsible man will waste endless ammunition
if he fires it, and will have his gun red hot at the critical moment.
HL TACTICAL HANDLING.
The simplest way to arrive at the purposes to which Lewis
guns may be put is to consider first the work machine guns have
done in the past, and then see what part of this work Lewis
guns should take over, and also if there is any further work for
which they are specially adapted.
(I)	TRENCH DEFENSE.
1.	In normal times in the trenches the first duty of machine
guns is defense. For this purpose brigade machine-gun officers
make arrangements for their machine guns in the front trenches
to join in forming what is called a “ belt of fire ” across the
entire front. Every machine-gun officer, on taking over a sector
of the line, is shown or provided with a map something like
figure 1.
If this belt is properly constructed, it is clear that no consider-
able body of the enemy can cross “ No-man’s land ” without ter-
rific losses, so long as the machine guns remain in action. The
emplacements from which machine guns fire to form this belt of
fire are called “ battle emplacements ”; they must be well con-
cealed and strong enough to resist anything but a direct hit
from a large shell. Each gun should have an alternative battle
emplacement covering the same allotted field of fire, in case
one should be knocked in. “ Defense ” emplacement would prob-
ably be a better name than “battle” emplacement, for these
emplacements are designed for defense, and for an attack dif-
ferent positions would often be selected.
188
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
2.	Two points should first be noted about the siting of these
emplacements:
(i)	The guns all fire diagonally.
This is for three reasons, (a) They cover more ground.
A greater space of “ N .-man’s land ” can be swept
without altering the aim, and together they form a
belt of fire through which the enemy attack must
pass. Fewer men will thus be needed to hold the
trench, (b) They are less likely to be seen, because
they are defiladed from the nearest part of the
enemy’s trenches, (c) They enfilade an enemy at-
tack, and shots which miss or pass through a near
party may hit the next.
Hence it follows that a gun sited in one company is probably
looking after the front of another company or even another
battalion. The men on duty with machine guns must not,
therefore, be looked on by company officers as sentries in the
ordinary way. Their only concern is to keep their guns tuned
up to prevent anyone from tampering with them, and to look
out along their line of fire. We had one emplacement for in-
stance, in the middle sector at Ypres, where the sentry could
only watch his line of fire at night through the loophole in his
emplacement.
(ii)	Each gun has its own particular ground to cover,
which may be large or small, and so long as it covers
that satisfactorily it fulfils its main purpose.
Company officers sometimes look through an emplacement
and criticize it adversely on the ground that it has a
small field of fire. Such criticisms can not be in-
telligently made unless the critic knows the purpose
for which the gun has been so placed.
3.	The formation of such a belt of fire looks very easy on a
map, but in practice many points have to be considered. In the
first place all the guns, so far as possible, must be sited for
grazing fire and not for plunging fire. In other words, the
trajectory of the bullet should coincide with the slope of the
ground for as long a distance as possible. One of the great ad-
vantages of the Maxim or Vickers gun is its fixed platform. The
gun can be laid along its line at dusk and fired with effect at
any hour of the night, but this advantage is lost if the aim of
the gun has to be continually changed. (The German front-line
machine guns rarely traverse at all. The traversing fire that
sometimes comes over our lines is generally from a reserve
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	189
trench.) It follows, therefore, that a high commanding position
is a disadvantage for a front-line gun, especially at night. (See
fig. 2.)
4.	When your trench line runs up a slope, it is generally better
to cover the front by siting your gun at the bottom and firing
up the slope for the following reasons: (i) You are more likely
to get an attacking party at night on the sky line, (ii) The
emplacement at the top of the slope would be more easily spotted,
and when spotted will be more easily shelled, (iii) When
firing down a slope the bullets that miss their immediate object
generally bury themselves in the ground. When firing up over
a ridge the outside bullets of the cone may do damage on the
other side. In fact one can generally site a gun with this secon-
dary object in mind, and work out the aim with a map, clino-
meter, and compass so that such bullets are likely to fall some-
where useful either to enfilade an enemy trench farther up
the line or hit a village, headquarters, dump, or crossroads
behind.
“ Mad Alick,” of---, the generic name of a family of machine
guns in that neighborhood, is a good instance of this practice.
He fires at the top of our parapet where he can partially enfilade
it, but is so placed that shots which pass over it will fall in the
neighborhood of -----. Luckily he has mistaken the contours
and can not get observation of his fire, with the result that the
center of his effective beaten zone is generally halfway up the
tower of-----Church. If he retired two or three hundred yards
and fired at the same mark and elevation, he would make-----
Street a much more unpopular promenade.
5.	This is an important point for Lewis guns as well as ma-
chine guns. The main criticism that can be brought against both
is that they fire so rapidly that every shot can not hit and
therefore they are wasteful of ammunition. This charge can
largely be answered by so firing that the outside shots of the
cone have a reasonable chance of hitting a secondary target. To
accomplish this successfully the directing gunner must have a
good bump of locality and a thorough knowledge of the map.
(II)	STRAFING IN TRENCHES.
1.	While the formation of a belt of fire, to economize infantry
in defense, is the first duty of machine guns posted in front-line
trenches, a certain amount of useful strafing can also be done on
occasions. But only in exceptional circumstances should this
190	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
be indulged in from the battle emplacements or they will soon
be discovered. This work can generally be best done by reserve
guns from rising ground behind the trenches. Dumps, ap-
proaches, crossroads, etc., can often be fired on. But if an
attack is contemplated, any approaches or communication
trenches that can be reached should be left alone till the day of
attack, or the enemy will defilade them with traverses or choose
a safer line.
2.	Patrols, working parties, or gaps in the enemy’s parapet can
be strafed from the front line, and for this purpose less elaborate
emplacements may be made, often in commanding positions.
(Ill)	LEWIS GUNS IN TBENCHES.
1.	Now arises the question, what part of the machine-gun work
in the trenches can Lewis guns usefully take over?
The “ belt of fire ” business is, in the main, best left to ma-
chine guns when these are available, because owing to their
fixed platforms they can better cover their lines by night; but
there are occasions when Lewis guns can usefully supplement
them. For instance, your trench line may run over a flat-topped
ridge. Both slopes may be swept by machine guns shooting up-
ward, but neither may sweep the flat top. The top would be an
unsuitable place for a permanent emplacement, and in any case
it would be wasteful to retain a machine gun for so small a
space. A Lewis gun placed near would make this secure. (See
fig. 3a.) Again, in the middle sector at Ypres there was a hollow
with a hedge in it running at right angles to our trenches, and we
had to keep one machine gun solely to watch it. (See fig. 3b.)
Here a Lewis gun would do the work perfectly well.
2.	But it is in the strafing that Lewis guns will be most useful.
There is practically no front-line strafing that can not be better
done by Lewis guns. The work does not need long-continued
fire, and two or three Lewis guns could quickly be concentrated
to join in such work without leaving any gaps in the belt of fire,
as would occur if front-line machine guns were moved for this
purpose.1
3.	Again, any work in front of our own lines is more suited
to Lewis guns. At Fleurbaix last June the Germans used often
to work in the daytime on a newT trench 40 yards in front of
1 Note Ъу General Staff.—Lewis guns are not, however, suitable for
“ strafing ” by indirect fire and should not be used for this purpose
(see S.S. 106, Appendix A, 3 (a)).
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
191
their line—dead ground from our parapet. I asked permission
to take out a Maxim through the long grass to stalk them, but
the colonel refused because if we were surprised by an enemy
patrol we would have difficulty in getting so heavy a gun away.
Here was an ideal opening for a Lewis gun. Similarly in an
enterprise on the German trenches two Lewis guns pushed out
into “ No-man’s land ” on either side of the point of attack would
keep clear the raiding party’s line of retreat.
(IV)	THE ATTACK FROM TRENCHES.
1.	In any attack the duties of all forms of machine guns are
(i) to cover the advance of the infantry by keeping down or
unsteadying the enemy’s fire; (ii) to prevent or delay the
enemy from bringing reinforcements to the threatened points;
(iii) to help in the fight for superiority of fire before the
assault.
In a trench attack (iii) will not occur. The necessary su-
periority must be obtained beforehand by greater weight of
artillery and by holding the supremacy of “ No-man’s land.”
Let us picture a typical trench attack and see how machine
guns and Lewis guns can attain the first two objects.
FIRST PHASE.
2.	In the preliminary bombardment, Lewis guns can do
nothing and machine guns very little. I have seen it suggested
that machine guns should enfilade any communication trenches
that they can in order to catch Germans retiring to the shelter
of the second line. I do not agree with this. Impatience is a
very general fault on our side. When we see a chance of in-
flicting some small damage on the enemy we are far too apt to
do it at once instead of saving up the blow for some time when it
will have a real importance. As an example of this when officers
in the front line spot an enemy machine gun, even if it is doing
no damage, they often call on the artillery to shell it. Even if
our guns knock it out, another will quickly be brought up to
sweep the same ground from a safer position and nothing ma-
terial has been gained. On the other hand, if the gun were
left in fancied security till the morning of an attack, and then
knocked out, the Germans probably could not replace it in time
192
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
to be of any service. In just the same way, by enfilading com-
munication trenches early in a bombardment you may catch a
few men. But the trench can be easily cleared and will be
marked as dangerous. If you leave it alone and strafe it when
the enemy are returning to the front line to meet our attack, the
effect wil be far greater. You may block the trench and upset
the German organization.
3.	When the bombardment ceases, our infantry goes “over
the top.” As soon as the enemy sees them, every loophole
will be opened and parapets manned. An intense fire will be
poured upon our men, both from the enemy’s front line and from
any positions behind commanding “ No-man’s land.” However
severe our bombardment, some machine-gun emplacements are
sure to be left, and it is from these that the greatest losses will
be dealt.
4.	The Vickers in rear can deal with the enemy’s second-line
positions; they can also delay reinforcements; they can do this
by enfilading communication trenches; by shooting over others
which can not be directly enfiladed they will make the enemy
stick to the trench instead of coming up more quickly over the
top. They can also often search ground which the artillery
can not effectively shell, as it is here that reinforcements will
probably be collecting.
5.	But before the arrival of Lewis guns it was always very
difficult to silence the enemy’s front line. It is clear that this
can not be properly done from our own trenches, because our
fire would at once be masked by our own attacking ti’bops. As
a suggestion, gaps might be left in our attacking line, especially
in a salient opposite well-shelled trenches, for machine guns to
fire through. (See fig. 4.) But this covering fire must chiefly be
done by guns placed well in front of our own trenches, which
can continue firing till the infantry is past them. For this pur-
pose the light and easily concealed Lewis gun is particularly
well adapted, and Vickers guns can also be used in the most
favorable positions for cover. How these guns get there is
immaterial provided that they reach their places unseen before
the attack. They may go out the night before, dig themselves
in, and stop there; or they may prepare their shelter at night
and crawl out to it in the later stages of the bombardment or
under cover of a smoke cloud. They should get as far forward
as possible so long as they are out of bombing distance of
enemy saps and not in the line of fire of our own wire-cutting
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	193
guns. Since they will fire diagonally, a position behind a
hillock where they are covered from the trenches opposite
ihight be a good one. But each position must be chosen on
its merits.
6.	If Vickers guns and Lewis guns were used together, the
Vickers guns should sweep the enemy’s parapets and their
breastworks at loophole height, since they are more suited to
sustained traversing fire.
7.	The special job of Lewis guns is knocking out machine
guns. But to do this one must study their habits. If a Lewis
gunner hears a machine gun firing straight opposite him it is a
great temptation to fire at the sound; but this would almost
always be useless because German guns, like our own, fire
diagonally and are defiladed from the front.
German front-line machine guns have narrow loopholes be-
cause they traverse very little. They all have strong head cover,
coming low down in front so that they can only be hit by short
range fire. They fire diagonally so that they can only be hit
from the direction in which they are firing. Lewis gunners,
therefore, have the best chance of putting out the gun whose
bullets are coming nearest themselves; and the strike of ma-
chine gun bullets on the ground is the best guide to the place
from which you can put that machine gun out. German machine
gun loopholes are generally near the ground level.
8.	Every gun, Vickers or Lewis, must have assigned to it its
own particular length of enemy trench before it is sent out.
The Vickers guns will cover, between them, the whole parapet;
while Lewis guns would be given a particular length of parapet
to watch for machine guns. All these lines should be diagonal.
(See Fig. 5.)
9.	Only two men should go out with the gun, the rest waiting
in the trench behind ready to bring on ammunition when the
gun advances. With the gun must be sufficient ammunition for
its immediate purpose as well as a load for No. 2 to take
forward.
SECOND PHASE.
10.	The Lewis guns, having ceased fire as the infantry passed,
would remain in position until they were assured that the
trenches had been carried. In case of failure they would cover
the retreat. As soon as the infantry were well into the front
trench the guns would move forward and join their companies.
101862°—17----13
194	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
11.	If the attack was proceeding further they would endeavor
to cover the next advance precisely as they covered the first.
If, however, they have to meet a counter-attack at once, they
must be arranged to form a belt of fire across the front pre-
cisely as machine guns do in the trenches, and they will con-
tinue to do this until a further advance is to be made, or the
machine guns come up to consolidate the positions won. Occa-
sionally a Lewis gun may be used to defend a straight communi-
cation trench; but these are rarely found near the front line;
generally these trenches twist too much and are better de-
fended by bombers, while the Lewis guns prevent a direct rush
over the top. If the counter-attack comes before you have time
to organize a belt of fire across the whole battalion, companies
should separate their Lewis guns to fire inward across each
other’s front.
12.	It may happen that X Battalion captures its trench, but
Z Battalion on its left fails to do so. One or two guns of X
Battalion may then be usefully employed with the bombers
working their way along the trench to the left. A good position
for such a gun is shown in figure 6. In any case where one
battalion finds itself in front of the general alignment, the
Lewis guns of the middle companies must be prepared to form
the belt of fire by themselves across the entire front, because
the guns of the flank companies may have to be drawn back
to protect the flanks of the battalion.
13.	The best positions for the Lewis guns should always be
chosen before the guns themselves follow up the attack. It is
very dangerous to move guns laterally across the firing line.
The guns, following up from the rear, should always be directed
straight to their positions. Company commanders should ar-
range with their Lewis gun officers as to who is to carry out
this important duty. In the authorized personnel of a Lewis
gun team, no provision is made for scouts, range takers, or
observers. I suggest that Lewis gun officers should have a
liberal allowance of runners trained in this work.
14.	Provided the gun is not overheated, ammunition may be
used freely from the first position the guns occupy. But the
moment guns go forward they must fire more sparingly. Once
you are in the enemy’s trenches every round of ammunition in-
creases 10 times in value, and must be economized accordingly.
All further supplies will have to pass through the enemy’s cur-
tain fire.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
195
(V)	LEWIS GUNS IN OPEN FIGHTING.
1.	The main principles that govern the use of Lewis guns
are the same in open fighting as under the circumstances already
described.
2.	The guns will sometimes have to be used for covering fire.
If, for instance, the company is surprised by rifle or machine-
gun fire while in artillery formation, all Lewis guns will at
once get into action to cover the deployment.
3.	Similarly in an attack, where the infantry has to advance
over an exposed piece of ground, Lewis guns will be pushed
ahead secretly to cover the movement. In former times com-
panies would pass such ground by advancing by alternate
platoons or sections, one platoon firing while the next advanced.
Now Lewis guns can provide the necessary fire and the whole
company can pass quickly over without halting. But where
there is a long stretch of open ground, the covering can better
be done by the overhead fire of machine guns. Machine guns
can fire far more continuously and can put in accurate shooting
at ranges up to a mile and a half. At this distance their bul-
lets have a steep angle of descent and are therefore better cal-
culated to demoralize troops in trenches. Still, for short dis-
tances of exposed ground Lewis guns are better, because, by the
use of prearranged signals, they can open fire at the exact
moment that the infantry advances.
4.	Lewis guns are also useful for shifting hostile advanced
pickets or unexpected machine guns.
5.	Such covering fire often has to be used when no clear target
presents itself, but even so it may be of real value. In South
Africa the men of the squadrons used to jibe at our machine
guns and say they never hit anything, but they added “ We like
to hear them popping because they make the Boers shoot so
badly.”
6.	Though in a war like this covering fire often has to be
used, gunners must never lose sight of the real object of all
kinds of machine guns, which is the annihilation of a body of
the enemy. They are weapons of opportunity, and in general
must lie low till they can get the greatest effect. They must
get as near as they safely can to the enemy when our side is
advancing, and conversely they must allow an attacking enemy
to come as near as they can without undue risk. This margin
of safety varies according to circumstances. An enemy patrol
196	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
of 50 men might be allowed to approach within 50 yards. If
there are several patrols converging on the gun, this distance
must be increased. The distance would be lessened if there
were concealed barbed wire in front of the gun, and so on.
7.	If one gun is firing at a party of the enemy, it should open
fire at that part of the enemy nearest to likely cover and trav-
erse inward. The enemy will probably run into the line of fire
in trying to reach cover.
8.	If two or more guns are used for the same purpose, each
must have a separate poinl^ of aim. With two guns, each would
start at an extreme flank of the party and traverse inward. If
there were four guns, the other two would lay on the center
and traverse outward to left and right. All these points of aim
must be settled beforehand.
9.	It is impossible to go over all the situations that may oc-
cur in open fighting, but the following remarks may cover some
of them.
The best mark a Lewis gun can have is cavalry. Cavalry has
no terrors for any machine guns if the latter are ready for
action.
Except in the case of covering fire, it is a general rule for
Lewis guns that they should not open fire unless they have a
reasonable chance of inflicting very severe losses. There are
times, however, when this rule will not hold good, viz: (1) In
a rearguard delaying action, guns would open at extreme range
to delay the enemy by making him deploy early. (2) If an
enemy is retreating, a lucky burst of fire at long range may turn
the retreat into a panic. In such a case there is no object in
waiting, because your target will get no nearer. (3) It is
worth having a long shot at particularly tempting marks. A
battery limbering up, a machine-gun section on the move, a gen-
eral and his staff, should, like a woodcock, be strafed by every-
body.
If there is a gap in our line, a Lewis gun on either side of it,
shooting diagonally across each other’s front, will prevent an
enemy getting through till it is filled up.
In any organized scheme of attack or defense (as opposed to
patrol work or small enterprise) each Lewis gun must be given
its own particular line to deal with, and from this line of fire it
must only move in exceptional circumstances. Such a case
might be a local raid by the enemy. If the raiding party seemed
likely to gain a footing in A sector, and В sector was not at-
tacked, the gun defending В sector might be swung round to
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	107
help the defense of A. But in all such cases one man of the
gun team must be ordered to keep watch along the original
line, so that he can switch the gun back the moment a target
presents itself on that line.
In defense Lewis guns should not be ordered to cover too wide
a stretch of front. This would only lead to an inefficient watch,
while if several targets presented themselves the gun would be
constantly changing from one to the other and do little real
damage to any. It is much better to give a gun a smaller
line—say, one field and a hedge—even if the whole line is not
covered. For if you prevent the enemy from crossing two fields
here and two fields there, you will break up and disorganize his
line, and he will attack your infantry with little chance of
success.
Finally, Lewis guns should be handled as a sailor handles a
submarine. In a square, straight fight with a Vickers a Lewis
gun stands no more chance than a submarine in a similar en-
counter with a battleship. Both only succeed by popping up
unexpectedly, delivering a rapid crushing blow, and then, when
they are discovered, trusting to escape by their mobility and
invisibility to some other unexpected place from which they can
repeat the dose.
IV. GENERAL REMARKS.
1. The question may be asked, Is it worth while to try to work
this somewhat elaborate organization? Why not use the Lewis
guns as a kind of superior rifle, just like any other rifle is used
now?
To this there are two answers.
(i) At the present moment rifles are not, in practice, used to
the best advantage. The most important principles summed up
in the expression “ Fire control ” are, owing to the extreme dif-
ficulty of applying them in action, in grave danger of being dis-
regarded. Even in trenches one sees sentries at night firing off
rounds haphazard in the direction of the opposite trench, instead
of each bay being given some definite aiming mark along which
its occupants can fire with greater chance of success. But with
Lewis guns fire control is greatly simplified, since only one man
is firing the equivalent of 20 rifles, and therefore the fullest
attention devoted to this subject is never wasted.
(ii) All automatic rifles and machine guns are extremely
wasteful of ammunition unless used on the principles already
Ш	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
described. It is only by such methods that they get their full
effect. Hitherto we have been far behind the Germans in mate-
rial of this kind; now we may be about equal to them. But even
if we get a preponderance the advantage will largely be lost
unless we get out of every weapon the full work of which it is
capable.
2. And from this another point arises. It has been said that
Lewis guns and machine guns get their best effects by diagonal
fire. Why not carry this to its logical conclusion?
Many of us saw something of the fiasco of the 9th of May,
1915. I got full accounts from men who went through and came
back. All of them told the same story—that, once they were
through the German front line, they were swept by machine
guns from both flanks, but not a man could tell me even roughly
where those machine guns were situated.
3. And if you think of our own practice attacks, it is easy to
see how such a thing happened. We are given a compass bearing
on which to march. The officers find some object at which the
flanks of their command are to aim, and their best N. C. O.’s are
wholly occupied in keeping this direction. The officers divide
their attention between seeing that the direction is kept, studying
the dangers and'difficulties of the ground to be traversed, and
looking for signs of the enemy in their objective. The remainder
are watching for the officer’s signals. But nobody is looking to
the place from which casualties will come—the flanks, half
right and half left, where machine guns may be lying safely
defiladed from their own front.
Now, this sidelong glance might well be the special duty of
Lewis gun teams. In their position in the fourth line they have
few anxieties about direction. If a few guns with a small supply
of ammunition were sent forward to assist the advance, the
remainder of the teams carrying heavy ammunition would suffice
to mark the line which the guns could rejoin as the battalion
passed. Similarly no injury would be done to the direction of
the line if spare men of Lewis gun teams were sent forward to
points of vantage from which they could watch our flanks and
signal the guns forward if they saw signs of any danger from
those directions. I feel confident that if some such arrangement
were made, our losses in an attack would be very greatly les-
sened, and no German machine guns would inflict heavy casual-
ties upon us, as they did on May 9, without being in any danger
themselves.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
1S9
Figure 1.
Example of chart given to machine gun officer on taking over a
sector of trenches (Z 3), showing lines of fire which his four guns
must cover from their battle (i. e., defense) emplacements.
Figure 2.
MACHINE GUN DEFENDING A LINE.
(A) Machine gun in a commanding position.
(Remember that both guns are shooting diagonally, so that
(A) position would leave many gaps through which an enemy
might pass. In (B) position there are no gaps.)
200
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. L
(B)
Examples of ground in front of trenches better defended by
Lewis guns than by machine guns.
(In both cases you are supposed to be looking straight to your
front out of your own trench. The machine guns are firing
away from you diagonally.)
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
201
Example of machine guns covering a trench attack, when a gap
is left in the line of attack A—В—a British salient. The infantry
can get more than half-way across before masking the M.G. fire.
The enemy’s line must be well bombarded between X—Y, to pre-
vent them from making this a rallying point for reserves, and must
be watched by Lewis guns from M.G. emplacements. (Conven-
tional drawing to show arrangement.)
Figure 5.
Example of arrangement of Lewis (5) and Vickers (2) guns to
cover attack on German salient. The-Vickers sweep the whole
length of the parapet in their zones. The Lewis guns are allotted
sections which they must watch for M.G. emplacements. These
are always likely to be found in the sides of a salient.
Ж
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
German British
bombers, bombers
working along trench.
Here the German trench has been captured on our right, but the
attack on the left has failed. Our bombers are working to the left
along the front trench.
Lewis gun No. 1 is pushed forward up a communication trench to
assist these bombers; it will make the Germans keep their heads
down, so that they can get no observation, it may hit some where
the parados is low or broken, and will generally make things Uncom-
fortable for them. It will also prevent our bombers being rushed
by a counter-attack “ over the top ” from the second line.
Lewis gun No. 2 protects the trench already captured by enfilad-
ing any counter-attack.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.	Ш
General Headquarters of the Armies
of the North and Northeast,
April 26, 1917.
NOTE FOR THE ARMIES.
SECRET.
The English Army utilizes machine guns to a great extent in
firing at long distance (2,500 to 3,000 meters) to prevent an
enemy movement, to produce a barrage, and even during the
course of an attack to form a rolling barrage ahead of the
attacking troops.
This fire of prevention in normal periods allows a very con-
siderable economy of artillery ammunition, and its effect is at
least as certain and more demoralizing by its continuity than
that of the cannon.
Isolated trials of indirect fire at long distance have also
been made by us; we should generalize the practice of using it.1
It is not, however, with an improvisation nor with the isolated
initiative of a single commander that serious effects may be
obtained. The high command must take the question into its
hands, orient the ideas, and develop the education of the ma-
chine-gun officers in the practice of this kind of fire.
The augmentation of the number of automatic machine rifles
in the hands of the troops permits of withdrawing machine guns
from the front in order to make a more perfected use of them
than to immobilize them entirely for the defense of the first lines.
In withdrawing them slightly to the rear they are protected
from a premature demolition and their field of action is in-
creased.
At distances greater than 2,500 meters the fire of the machine
guns becomes very plunging; this permits of reaching objectives
quite strongly defiladed and produces a moral effect all the more
accentuated as it reaches an enemy who considers himself se-
curely sheltered from musketry fire.
In this line of ideas, the machine guns may be employed to
keep up a fire upon battery emplacements to prevent all supply
1 Machine-gun fire at long range was treated in the Instruction of
Feb. 19, 1917, on indirect machine-gun fire (forwarded to War College
division).
204	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
to them, upon posts of command, upon places where numerous
shelters are located, or on crossways in the boyaux.1
Finally, the guns must have a permanent mission of barrage
organized like that of the artillery and which can operate im-
mediately in case of attack.
We give below, as an indication, some information on the em-
ployment of machine, guns in an English army corps during the
recent attacks.
The quota of about 70 per division was distributed in the
following manner:
With the assaulting troops___________________ 26
Grouped for barrage fire_______л_____________ 30
In reserve for reinforcement_________________ 14
70
The machine guns designated for the barrage and supporting
fire were assembled in batteries of eight guns, and the batteries
themselves in groups of two or more.
Each brigade of assault employed one group and the front
of the barrage was calculated at 50 meters (54.682 yards) per
gun. The distance of the initial fire was between 2,000 and
2,500 meters (1,187.260 and 1,733.875 yards) and the barrage
adjusted at 400 meters (437.452 yards) in front of the parallel
of departure.
The barrage was carried forward at the moment of assault
in the same manner as the artillery barrage which it preceded,
and at 400 meters beyond the first objective its movement was
arrested and it became a fixed barrage along that belt of ground.
At this moment the machine guns were moved forward by eche-
lons, one battery at a time, to occupy new positions picked out
beforehand on the plan director (map 1-10,000) and permitting
the execution of barrage fire between the first and second objec-
tive, and so on.
In order to assure the liaisons between the troops and the
machine guns, the commander of each group remains at the
post of command of the brigade of attack, connected with his
batteries by telephone during the first phase and by optical
signals and runners during the following phases.
It may be imagined that such an operation by machine guns
requires a very careful instruction of the personnel, troops
1 The machine guns which are going to be distributed to batteries
might very usefully be employed for this purpose.
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
205
accustomed to the whistling of bullets over their heads and a
most minute preparation of the operations. It could therefore
be attempted only when our troops have been well broken to
this kind of fire, but the foregoing general ideas, which result
from experience already quite prolonged, may be taken advan-
tage of to utilize machine guns during stationary periods for
fire of prevention and of barrage.
With an effect often more certain, we will economize artillery
ammunition which can be better used elsewhere.
The Major General,
Pont.
206	MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
ORDER OF THE SIXTH BAVARIAN DIVISION
REGARDING MACHINE GUNS.
Divisional Headquarters,
,	September 3, 1916.
MACHINE GUNS.
The battle of the Somme has again shown the decisive value
of machine guns in defense. If they can be kept in a service-
able condition until the enemy’s infantry attacks and are then
brought up into the firing position in time, every attack must
fail. The greater the efforts the enemy makes in the future
to destroy our trenches before his assault by an, increased ex-
penditure of ammunition, the greater the extent to which we
must rely on the employment of machine guns for repulsing
attacks. These should be brought into action unexpectedly and
continue the fight when the greater part of the garrison of the
front-line trenches is out of action and the enemy’s barrage
fire renders it difficult to bring up reinforcements. In view of
the above, all improvements to existing works and all new
construction must be carried out on the following principles:
1.	In regular trench systems, the accurate trace of which is
known to the enemy by aeroplane photographs and which he
is therefore able to destroy, as regards the greater part at least
of the foremost trenches, the employment of machine guns is
only permissible when they can be kept in a serviceable condi-
tion in deep dugouts with several exits, and when it is possible
to bring them into position in time, owing to the existence of
strong obstacles which can not be completely destroyed by bom-
bardment, or to the possibility of close observation of the
enemy’s movements.
The first trench and the ground between it and the second
trench are therefore quite out of the question, for even if they
contain excellent dugouts there is no certainty that the enemy’s
assault can be seen in time. Machine guns should therefore be
placed, as a rule, behind the second, or, better still, behind the
third trench. The methodical fire by which the enemy seeks to
destroy our trenches is considerably less effective here, and,
further, the obstacles erected in front of the second and third
trenches and around the machine-gun emplacements themselves
make it possible to see the enemy’s assault in time. Command-
MACHINE GUN NOTES NO. 1.
207
ing positions with a very wide field of fire, or positions which
can at least flank the trench system, should be selected. About
half the machine guns should be allotted to such positions.
2.	The remainder should be sited behind the trench system
and on ground further in rear, in deep pits which are usually
covered over and also on platforms concealed in trees, in such
a manner that the enemy is caught in an unexpected cross-fire
if he breaks through. The important point is that the machine
guns should not, in any circumstances, be detected beforehand.
They must not, therefore, be too close to trenches which can be
photographed or to well-defined woods which the enemy will
suspect in any case. The best sites are in the open, in or under
clumps of trees and bushes, or in hedges. All the earth exca-
vated must be removed or concealed under hedges, etc. A low
network of trip-wires has proved to be the best form of obstacle.
To each machine gun there should be allotted a certain number
of infantrymen armed with hand grenades, who can also work
the gun if necessary.
3.	The construction of special machine-gun emplacements is
not advisable. If sited in the position itself, they are destroyed,
and if further in rear they disclose their positions. The guns
should either be fired from improvised mountings or from
sandbags.
4.	In cases where the ground which the enemy’s attack has to
cross is not covered by machine guns sited in retired positions,
it is necessary to hold machine guns in readiness even in the
first trench, particularly by night or during misty weather, as a
means of defense against surprise attacks made without artil-
lery preparation, though these can only be of local and minor
importance. The machine guns mentioned in paragraph 2
should be employed for this purpose. . By day, however, or at
the very latest as soon as intense artillery fire begins, they
should be taken back to their proper positions.
5.	Machine guns may always be sited in the front trench in
thick woods or under other exceptional conditions. The de-
cision in such cases will rest with me; suggestions should be
submitted.
(Signed) v. Hoehn.
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